Supporting Early Childhood Education

Program: Education

Since 2019, 1for3 has brought together Palestinian and US educators to build & support the development of child-focused learning. Together, they build curricula, teaching methods & new offerings of student support. Started in 2021, Zahrat Al-Yasmeen kindergarten provides a pre-school education for children from 2 UN-run camps with an enrollment capacity of 75.

Since 2026, we have supported a community-run kindergarten called Al-Andalus located in the UN-run Tulkarm refugee camp. It serves over 100 students from 2 camps, the majority of whose residents have been displaced by the Israeli military & now live in temporary shelters.

Leadership

  • Beverly Wispelwey is an experienced teacher of 3-to-9 year-olds. Her particular educational work has been focused on teaching & curriculum development.

  • Hubert Murray is an architect with experience working on projects in the United States, Europe, Africa & the Middle East. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

  • Katherine Hanna is an American-born Palestinian. She was a Massachusetts early elementary grades public school educator for 26 years.

  • Betsy Abrams is a social worker, social activist & an American-born Jewish woman of Ashkenazi heritage. She works at the intersection of trauma, racism & resilience.

  • Ashgan Dar Ewies is Director of the Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten. She builds a supportive learning environment that helps both children & teachers thrive.