2023 International Peacemaker – September 15-21 to visit Scioto Valley Presbytery.

2023 International Peacemaker – September 15-21
Once again, Scioto Valley Presbytery is welcoming an International Peacemaker, Amira Barham. You may read about Amira below. Her itinerary will fill up quickly; if your congregation would like to host her for an event, please contact the Rev. Mary Gene Boteler, [email protected] or call/text 740-704-0983. Amira will be engaged with the Israel/Palestine Mission Network on September 18 and will attend the presbytery meeting on September 19.
Amira Barham, a Palestinian Christian, was born and raised in the town of Beit Jala, near Bethlehem. With a passion for social justice, equality, and helping people, Amira obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work(MSW) from California State University Long Beach in 1999 as a Fulbright Scholarship recipient. She has worked as a social worker with many diverse and vulnerable populations in Palestine, the United Kingdom and the United States. She’s worked with young unaccompanied asylum seekers fleeing war-torn and dangerous countries, young people and adults struggling with substance misuse and criminal behavior, and vulnerable young people and women suffering gender-based violence. Most recently, Amira’s work has been focused on supporting marginalized children in Palestine, mainly from refugee camps, with Sounds of Palestine. Sounds of Palestine is an organization that uses music and orchestra lessons to enhance children’s self-esteem and impact positive social change and community involvement. Additionally, she is connected to Al Harah Theater, as the developer of policies for safeguarding children. Amira recently completed a postgraduate diploma in Health Action Training, which offers training on utilizing drama practice and drama techniques to enhance person-centered care and resilience, specifically in the aftermath of the pandemic to help healthcare professionals.