“My name is Giovanni Anbar. Although my name sounds Italian, I am 100% Palestinian Christian, born and raised in Jerusalem.” That’s how Giovanni, director of the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center (ETVTC) in Ramallah, began his talk to a packed room at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in downtown Boston in late June. Giovanni was in the U.S. taking part in a Harvard University educational leadership program. He told the crowd, “I am very passionate about being part of the effort to build Palestine. ETVTC’s mission is to improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of Palestinian youth through education and vocational training in hospitality and technology. After being involved in this field for over 20 years, I believe we have accomplished much and there is still a long way to go.” ETVTC now enrolls more than 400 at-risk youth. More than 90% go on to find good jobs in the West Bank.
Many thanks to The Middle East Network of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem – Priory of St. David of Wales in New England for co-sponsoring the reception and fundraising dinner for Giovanni.