The tour group will have the unique opportunity to hear first hand about the effect of the occupation on Palestinian education and the problems of increased militarisation of the Israeli education system.

In 2007, as international funding was cut off in the wake of the Palestinian elections, teachers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip worked for months without pay. Over-subscribed and under-resourced classes continued despite the problems of the military occupation, with students and staff dodging Israeli soldiers on their way to school and poverty becoming ever more entrenched. Whilst the highly educated Palestinian society is increasingly threatened, military presence in Israeli schools escalates.

Participants on this tour will meet teaching colleagues, visit sites of historical, religious and cultural interest and meet key organisations working towards peace with justice. From schools and Universities to
refuseniks, Trade Union activists and peace organisations, this tour will visit Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem and Nablus.

Designed for those with a particular interest in education, the tour will also suit anyone wanting to gain a general understanding of the current situation in Palestine and Israel, giving them the opportunity to see the
wall, visit refugee camps and meet inspiring Palestinian and Israeli individuals and organisations.

Participants will benefit from the experience and personal contacts of our tour guide, who ran our successful Teacher's Tour in 2007 and has worked as a long term volunteer in the West Bank, including with the
International Women's Peace Service.

For more information, please see the Olive Co-op website, http://www.olivecoop.com/tours