World Class 2012 in partnership with the British Council bring you the stories of the schools where the dreams begin.

Beit Hanoun Preparatory School

SCHOOL STATS Number of students - 868 Number of teachers - 38 Where in the world? Northern Gaza Strip Languages spoken: Arabic and English

Beit Hanoun Preparatory School is situated in the north of the Gaza strip.

"Sports championships, high marks, respect and discipline," are the aims for the boys at Beit Hanoun Preparatory School, says Headteacher Basil Madi, and he is clear on what makes his school unique.

"It's hardworking staff, and its location in Beit Hanoun makes the school special," he said.

Nader at School

Nader trains pupils at his old school

Saoud Hamed, Nader's former sport and Arabic teacher, remembers the first time he saw Nader run.

"I noticed he had talent, strength and endurance from the first race I organised," he recalls.

Nader's talent is not the only thing that is remembered at Beit Hanoun. Headteacher Basel Madi recalls Nader as a "kind and polite" pupil while at the school.

Olympic inspiration

He is their hope and future, he is the Palestinian champion Sports teacher, Saoud Hamed

Football, volleyball and swimming are all popular amongst the boys at Beit Hanoun and the football team's success in area competitions is a huge source of pride.

Mr. Madi hopes the Olympics, and Nader's involvement in particular, can boost involvement in school sport. Every pupil at Beit Hanoun expresses their desire to follow in Nader's footsteps.

For Mr. Hamed, it is clear that Nader inspires the pupils of his former school to work hard and follow their dreams.

"He is their hope and future, he is the Palestinian champion."

World Olympic Dreams

Nader is one of the athletes being tracked as London 2012 approaches and they strive to make their Olympic dreams a reality.

* The International Olympic Committee recognises the National Olympic Committee of Palestine.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version