An agreement between the Custody of the Holy Land and Bethlehem University to preserve Palestinian cultural heritage, engage students in archaeological excavations and research as well as promote a better understanding of Palestine's rich history and culture. Lauren, an architect with the Custody of the Holy Land, has "transformed" the area of the Shepherds' Field Sanctuary in Beit Sahour into a training center. It is here that she has created workshops for students in archaeology and cultural heritage at Bethlehem University, using tools and techniques for studying archaeological sites. Dr OMAR ABID RABO Department of Human Sciences, Bethlehem University Bethlehem University and PIAC in Rome (Italy) will work together on this archaeological site. I would like to thank the Custody of the Holy Land, which has given us the opportunity to train students here and increase their skills in archaeological research through field work, including excavations, archaeological surveys, photography and documentation. JIHAD HAMOUDEH Bethlehem University This program is very important because it is based on the study of fossils and for example how to use drawing. Normally I study these techniques, but here I have the opportunity to apply them on the ground. FATIMA ASAAD Bethlehem University Our country is rich in archaeological sites. There are many from abroad who come to Palestine to study them. Why then not be a part of it by putting ourselves at the forefront? This training helps us understand the importance and history of a site, date it, make a classification, study it to know all the scientific and historical elements. The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities accompanied this group of trainees to some archaeological sites. WAFA SAAD Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities We value our archaeological sites, especially those that have long been neglected. The last excavations that were done at Shepherd's Field date back to 1951. But this past year, seventy years later, thanks to the collaboration between the Custody of the Holy Land and my Ministry, we have completed the cleaning phase and the complete excavation of the archaeological site. A project that is funded by the French Development Agency and NGO development center (NDC). The experience that these young people from Bethlehem University's Archaeology and Cultural Heritage course gain through this project fully qualifies them to enter the world of work. Read More