09/12/2025
The Brother Vincent Malham Center for Arabic Language Teaching for Non-Native Speakers celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of international students on Tuesday, 3 December 2025, marking the completion of their Fall 2025/2026 semester studies at Bethlehem University.
The ceremony was attended by Prof. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mrs. Hanadi Younan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; Ms. Nadia Bani Shamsa, Center Director; alongside faculty members, students, and guests.
Ms. Bani Shamsa opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and presenting an overview of the Center’s achievements during the semester, including the number of enrolled students, the courses offered, and the diverse countries represented. She expressed deep appreciation for the Center’s instructors, whose dedication continues to enhance the quality of the program, and thanked the Dean of the Faculty of Arts for her unwavering support.
Mrs. Younan commended the students for their commitment to learning Arabic and congratulated them on successfully completing their academic requirements. She encouraged them to continue developing their language skills and to remain engaged with the culture they experienced during their time in Palestine.
Prof. Saca conveyed her appreciation to the international students for choosing Bethlehem University and for placing their trust in the Brother Vincent Malham Center’s distinguished Arabic program. She praised their enthusiasm for the Arabic language and their openness to exploring Palestinian culture.
The ceremony featured a rich program of student performances that highlighted both Palestinian and international cultural expressions. First-level students performed songs such as Dalida’s “Halawa Ya Baladi,” along with a traditional Korean folk piece. Second-level students presented a theatrical sketch titled In the Market, followed by individual presentations including a yoga session conducted in Arabic, a reading from the Gospel of Luke, and a reflective message from Gaza. The event concluded with a performance of “A Rural Woman Holding a Jar,” inspired by the works of Tawfiq Al-Nimri.
Certificates were then awarded to the graduates, after which attendees enjoyed Arabic coffee and kunafa, creating a warm cultural atmosphere. The celebration ended with commemorative photos, capturing meaningful moments before the students return to their home countries carrying memorable experiences of learning Arabic at Bethlehem University.
Congratulations to all the graduates. Bethlehem University is proud to continue fostering cultural exchange, academic excellence, and meaningful global connections through the work of the Brother Vincent Malham Center.
