PMECC Reading Competition 2026: a Celebration of Resilience, Reading and Remaining Hope
Amid the ongoing regional tensions and conflict, the Pontifical Mission Educational and Cultural Center (PMECC) Team remained steadfast in its commitment to education by successfully holding the Final Round of this year’s Reading Competition on March 27.
Despite the uncertainty brought about by the war affecting the region, students, educators, and organizers gathered with both caution and courage. Even as alarms occasionally signaled potential danger, the event continued with careful preparedness—reflecting a powerful spirit of resilience and a shared determination to move forward with hope.
From more than 600 sixth grade students representing 18 private schools across Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Jericho, only 31 exceptional readers advanced to the final stage. Accompanied by their teachers and families, these young finalists arrived both nervous and excited, ready to give their best and celebrate their love for reading.
The journey culminated in the Awarding Ceremony held last April 15 at the PMECC, bringing together a vibrant community of learners, educators, and supporters. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Joseph Hazboun, Regional Director of the Pontifical Mission–Jerusalem Office, alongside Mr. Gabi Kando, Project Director, as well as distinguished judges, school-coordinators, teachers, parents, and guests from across the region.
This year’s competition raised the bar by placing stronger emphasis on comprehension and analysis—encouraging students not only to read, but to think deeply, engage meaningfully, and connect with what they read.
In her remarks, PMECC Director Monnitte Monana shared her inspiration in witnessing how reading has become “not just a task, but a joyful and meaningful experience” for many students. Aside from improving literacy, the program has helped strengthen communication skills, spark creativity, nurture imagination, and develop critical thinking. It can be noted that several participants even completed the remarkable challenge of reading 75 storybooks through digital platforms in the span of seven months.
Mr. Joseph Hazboun highlighted the broader vision of the initiative, noting that the competition, now in its fifth year, continues to promote essential values such as love for reading, comprehension, and analytical thinking which eventually foster the culture of reading. He emphasized that these skills are key to shaping future leaders—individuals who are informed, thoughtful, and capable of contributing positively to society.
The ceremony proudly recognized the top 15 student-finalists coming from 7 schools and celebrated the recipients of the Winning School Award: Latin Patriarchate School–Beit Sahour and Terra Sancta Girls–St. Joseph School.
As we conclude another successful year, PMECC invites the community to continue encouraging and supporting these young readers—nurturing not only their love for books, but also their capacity to imagine, reflect, and lead with insight and purpose.
Text: Monnitte V. Monana
21 April 2026
