PMECC Reading Competition 2024-2025 Celebrates 4th Year with Awarding Ceremony


The 4th PMECC Reading Competition, held under the inspiring theme “Readers are Leaders”, concluded with a joyful Awarding Ceremony on May 5.

On behalf of the PMECC staff, Ms. Monnitte Monana, Director of PMECC, extended a warm welcome to the nearly seventy guests who attended the celebration. She expressed sincere appreciation for their continued and unwavering support of this important educational initiative.

Among the honored guests were Mr. Joseph Hazboun, Regional Director of the PM Office – Jerusalem, and Mr. Gabi Kando, Project Coordinator. Also present were dedicated school directors and coordinators, supportive parents, and, of course, our bright and motivated students.

Award Highlights: 

  • Three Major Student Winners:
    • 1st Prize Winner: Carla Zeidan – Latin Patriarchate-Beit Jala
    • 2nd Prize Winner: Hiba Shaheen – Shepherds Orthodox High School
    • 3rd Prize Winner: Hala Hajajlah – Laura Vicuňa School
  • Top Ten Finalists were recognized for their outstanding achievements:
    • 4th Prize Winner: Hannan Oweidah – Frere School – New Gate, Jerusalem
    • 5th Prize Winner: Celine Marzouka – TSG – St. Joseph School – Bethlehem
    • 6th Prize Winner: Nadine Salman – TSG – St. Joseph School – Bethlehem
    • 7th Prize Winner: Diyar Abu-‘Ali – Dar Al-Kalimeh Lutheran School
    • 8th Prize Winner:  Maroun Sahouri – Greek Catholic – Beit Sahour
    • 9th Prize Winner: Joumana Al-Shaer – TSG – St. Joseph School – Bethlehem
    • 10th Prize Winner: ‘Amar Abu-Sharkh – Shepherds Orthodox High School
    • 11th Prize Winner: Hanna Baboun – Jerusalem American School – Beit Jala
    • 12th Prize Winner: Yousef Salah – Shepherds Orthodox High School
    • 13th Prize Winner: Amaar Abu-‘Amshah – Latin Patriarchate-Beit Jala
  • Two schools received special recognition for:
    • the highest percentage of student participation – Shepherds Orthodox High School
    • the most students qualifying for the final round – TSG – St. Joseph School – Bethlehem
  • 49 Student Participants finished reading 100 books – from different private schools

Now in its fourth year since launching in 2019, the PMECC Reading Competition continues to thrive—even through the challenges of moving to an online format. Its mission remains the same: to foster a lifelong love of reading among 5th-grade students.

The competition not only highlights the talents of young readers but also the invaluable support of school leaders, teachers, and parents. Together, their combined efforts are helping students develop strong reading habits and a lasting passion for learning.

Started in mid-September of last year, it began with over 1,000+ fifth-grade participants from 23 private schools across Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Jericho. As the rounds progressed, the number of participants gradually narrowed down to the most dedicated and enthusiastic readers. Throughout the competition, students were required to read a total of 100 books (both in English & Arabic)—60 in the first round and 40 in the second—fostering discipline and enhancing their reading stamina. The contest sparked enthusiasm and motivation among the students, encouraging them to read more as they prepared for each round while the staff had enthusiastically and untiringly corrected their works online.

The final round, which was held last 28th of April, saw 37 students from 15 schools qualified after successfully completing the earlier stages. During the final round, each student was given a copy of a selected book. They were tasked to summarize the story, answer five comprehension questions, and identify the core values and life lessons they learned from the reading. Their works were corrected by a panel of judges composed of 3 professionals (an Arabic professor, teaching at Bethlehem University; a retired Arabic supervisor from the Ministry of Education; and a well-known Palestinian children book writer).  This final challenge not only tested the participants’ understanding and interpretation skills but also encouraged them to reflect more deeply on the material—connecting the stories to real-life principles and their own personal growth.

The comprehension-based approach pushed them to think critically and creatively, improve their ability to analyze texts/content, and express the insights they gained through reading.  Through this, their confidence and self-esteem as readers were strengthened.

Many of our participants, if not all, also learned to manage their time wisely—balancing reading with schoolwork, household responsibilities, and social activities. This experience is not only academic but a meaningful life lesson in discipline and commitment.

A Message to Our Young Readers

To our dear young readers:
Your hard work has paid off. You’ve grown stronger as readers and thinkers. Your love for books will light the path to a brighter future. We celebrate not just your achievements, but also your commitment and discipline.

A Message to Parents and Educators

To our dedicated parents and teachers:
While the impact of reading may not always be immediately reflected in test scores or daily conversations, its long-term value is immeasurable. Let us continue to support, encourage, and model the joy of reading to the next generation.

Thank you all for being part of this meaningful journey.
We look forward to continuing this tradition of inspiring young minds, one book at a time.

Text and Photos:  Monnitte V. Monana