DECEMBER 2009

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more than ABCs Chaldean elementary school teaches tolerance BY WWW.THEREDBULLS.ORG St. Efram Elementary students happily took a break from their school day to welcome and entertain some unexpected visitors. U.S. Soldiers from Contingency Operating Base Basra were greeted by a chorus of little voices singing the Iraqi National Anthem when they surprised the children with school supplies, treats and even guitars on October 22. The kindergartners were also eager to make the American soldiers feel at home by performing a couple of classics in English: “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes” as well as the English alphabet. The soldiers were surprised to discover that this is no ordinary elementary school. Archbishop of Basra Imad Al Banna explained the two schools sponsored by the Chaldean Church are the only kindergartens in the country to combine children of mixed religions in one learning environment. “They are the future and hope of Iraq,” Archbishop Al Banna said of the children. “It’s very important that they grow together with peace, love and good ideas.” By learning together, children of mixed religions and backgrounds set the groundwork for a generation that is more accepting of its own cultural differences. “When you teach children together they learn to become one nation,” said Archbishop Al Banna. “They learn more about their country and culture and become united. They learn to love and serve by love and not war.” As Iraq continues to develop and progress in spite of decades of oppression, violence and religious conflict, Archbishop Al Banna pointed out there is more to building a nation than material endeavors. “We now understand how to build bridges and hospitals. Now we need to understand how to build the human,” he said. St. Efram accomplishes this by introducing its culturally diverse students to a variety of subjects, including art, math, science, music, English, Arabic and other languages. The mixed-gender classes include children from Christian, Muslim and Sabean families. Many former students have gone on to pursue college-educated careers, such as medicine and engineering. They got their start at St. Efram Kindergarten, and now their children are following in their footsteps. “When they get out, they always have higher grades because they begin their education early,” said Archbishop Al Banna. Although enrollment is high, St. Efram lacks the classrooms and staff Above: Excited students welcome the soldiers to their classroom. Left: Children line up to receive treats and supplies from the soldiers. to accommodate all who apply. This year, 250 families wanted to register their children, but the school could only admit 165 students. The other school, Albeshera, has 190 students. There are many impoverished families in the area who cannot afford to pay tuition, but because some families are able to pay more, the community and church can provide needy children with the opportunity for an early education. Archbishop Al Banna believes “one child’s smile is worth millions.” The two schools sponsored by the Chaldean Church are the only kindergartens in the country to combine children of mixed religions in one learning environment. As the children poured out of classrooms onto the playground, laughing and showing soldiers and their teachers what they got in their care packages, the Basra community suddenly became very rich. “In the future, when these children know someone cared for them, they will care for others,” Archbishop Al Banna said. “It will build the love.” By www.theredbulls.org. Reprinted with permission of the Assyrian International News Agency (aina.org). 42 CHALDEAN NEWS DECEMBER 2009 cn1209_0148.indd 42 11/25/09 5:06:10 PM
It’s all about the Spirit Every moment spent in the wonder of creation enriches us. Find it in holy prayer, in an infant’s sweet breath, in a snowflake that is like no other. This holiday season, re-discover your awe in every experience of your life. Let God’s handiwork take your breath away. Joy to a world that lives the holiday spirit throughout the year. Happy Holidays! www.stjohn.org A PASSION for HEALING HOSPITALS IN SOUTHFIELD AND NOVI Problems paying your energy bills? Call DTE Energy now! If you’re having, or expect to have, problems paying your energy bills, don’t wait until the cold weather hits. Call DTE Energy at 800.477.4747 now. We have a number of options to help, including: low-income customers. customers who qualify. DTE Energy will assist you in locating other helpful resources, including: have received a shut-off notice. to use toward heating bills. low-income households during a crisis and more. visit dteenergy.com or call 800.477.4747. The Power of Your Community e=DTE ® DECEMBER 2009 CHALDEAN NEWS 43 cn1209_0148.indd 43 11/25/09 5:06:20 PM
Page 1 and 2: VOL. 6 ISSUE XI METRO DETROIT CHALD
Page 3 and 4: Gary Sako 248-990-3010 Mary Ann Yon
Page 5 and 6: DECEMBER 2009 CHALDEAN NEWS 5 cn120
Page 7 and 8: W FARMINGTON HILLS 33250 12 MILE RO
Page 9 and 10: CONTENTS DECEMBER 2009 THE CHALDEAN
Page 11 and 12: GUEST column your LETTERS 2009 year
Page 13 and 14: A Fond Farewell From Jerry Shannon
Page 15 and 16: noteworthy Sharon Hannawa Paul Aske
Page 17 and 18: Community Bulletin Board Blame It o
Page 19 and 20: Happy Holidays from Tapper’s With
Page 21 and 22: SETTING THE STANDARD FOR INTEGRITY
Page 23 and 24: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE Welcome t
Page 25 and 26: looking BACK Khalid Bahoura: Chicke
Page 27 and 28: stained-glass window depicting the
Page 29 and 30: A Program to help YOU. Services are
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Page 33 and 34: Smile a little every day. 32940 Mid
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Page 45 and 46: in the KITCHEN with Haresa (Barley
Page 47 and 48: chaldean for KIDS Christmas Greetin
Page 49 and 50: PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESS
Page 51 and 52: Wedding Specials SEPTEMBER 15TH - M

DECEMBER 2009

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