The John Aves Education Project (JAEP) is a charity organization founded in memory of Revd Canon John Aves, who passed away nearly 20 years ago while working in the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem. The charity’s vision is to continue John’s passion of improving the lives of the people in the refugee camp by providing access to education. The charity supports students at Al Quds University in Abu Dis near Bethany. Due to escalating violence in the Middle East, such as recent killings in Abu Dis/Bethany, travel restrictions and checkpoints in the West Bank have resulted in universities being shut and teaching and learning moving online. JAEP has funded 80 adults living in Dheisheh to study for an undergraduate degree, and is currently funding 20 students continuing to the next year of their studies.
The charity has supported students in various fields such as midwifery, dentistry, and medicine, and has witnessed success stories of graduates who have utilized their education to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The organization is also fundraising through the sale of Christmas cards, with the proceeds funding the education of more students. JAEP plans to mark its 20th anniversary by holding services in the churches that John served at, in order to give thanks for his life, celebrate the achievements of JAEP, and acknowledge the support the charity has received.
The escalating violence in the Middle East has impacted the education of the students JAEP supports, with universities being closed and teaching moving online due to travel restrictions and checkpoints in the West Bank. Despite these challenges, the charity has funded numerous students to study for an undergraduate degree, and continues to support them as they progress in their education. The success stories of graduates, such as those who studied midwifery, dentistry, and medicine, demonstrate the impact of education in empowering individuals to contribute positively to their communities. The organization is also fundraising through the sale of Christmas cards, with the profits funding the education of more students. Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of John’s death, and JAEP plans to hold services in his honor to celebrate the achievements of the charity and give thanks for the support received.
