Background
The Ibdaa kindergarten project was set up in 1997 in response to a lack of sufficient facilities for the children in Deheisheh camp. It now provides services to almost 100 children as well as a nursery for 12 babies. The nursery accepts babies from 3 months, whilst children can attend kindergarten between 3 years 8 months and 5 years 8 months, The kindergarten is staffed by four qualified teachers, each supervising a different age group, along with a director for the whole project and babysitters in the nursery, A record is created for each child to note their attendance and store their work. This record forms the basis of an annual assessment enabling any developmental or psycho-social problems to be identified. If problems are diagnosed, support and advice are provided to the family for any therapy required. Aims To provide children with their basic right to an education and good physical and psycho-social health and to aid their development towards independence and achieving their future aspirations. Community involvement The families of children at kindergarten are invited to join numerous events that provide support and education for the creation of a healthy home environment, particularly for young members of the family. Information is also provided on how to identify potential developmental or psycho-social problems and any action that may be required following diagnosis. Celebrations Celebrations are held and gifts distributed at the kindergarten at key points in the year, including many religious festivals, International Children's Day and International Women’s Day. Health checks The children's general health and development are checked regularly by measuring their height and weight and carrying out regular eye examinations, monitoring blood-sugar levels and checking for flat feet. If any problems are detected the families are supported with any follow-up action required. |
Background
The children’s health parliament was founded in 2007 with the aim of engaging with pupils who were not achieving their academic potential or who were experiencing psychological problems. The project involves children between the ages of 9 and 14 and focuses on health-related issues in the local community. When children initially become involved with the parliament they are encouraged to recognise any problems associated with health that exist in the local society. They then work with the project coordinators to resolve issues in practice sessions. When they are fully trained they join parliament meetings, which concentrate on real concerns and generate a number of potential solutions. At this stage the coordinators act solely as facilitators Vision To develop the leadership skills of parliament members and encourage them to educate their peers. Campaigns Many successful campaigns have been run by the children’s parliament in Deheisheh and the Bethlehem area, Topics focused on include drugs, smoking, maintaining a clean environment, personal hygiene, nutrition, children’s rights and education. Activities The parliament identifies a health issue it is interested in and will typically research the area further, which often involves contact with specialists as well as training with organizations working in the field. Once an issue is fully understood, solutions to the problem can be proposed and a campaign initiated. The solutions include full plans for the campaign, including any resources needed, and identify the individuals to be involved, the schedule and the target communities. |
Library
Background
Ibdaa library was set up in 1996 after it was realized that there was nowhere in the camp where children had access to reading materials alongside films and other educational resources. The library now provides a dedicated space for children to use these materials for their cultural and social development and also provides an opportunity for recreation. It is the first library to open in Deheisheh refugee camp. It now contains more than two thousand books in both Arabic and English but there is the opportunity to borrow a far greater number through the library network of Palestine. It is open every afternoon and is used by several hundred children each week.
Aims
To provide the children in Deheisheh camp with access to books to encourage their reading and expand their learning and to provide an opportunity for recreation in a safe environment.
Library materials
The key subject areas covered by books in the library include:
* Children's stories
* Science
* Palestinian culture
* Palestinian history, including refugees’ oral history
* Worldwide theology
* Social science
Library activities
The library also organizes events for the children with the aim of encouraging exercise and leisure activities and raising cultural awareness. Regular events include:
1. Screenings of educational films
2. Critical discussions about books read by groups of children
3. Workshops to demonstrate skills in art, with a special focus on painting, sculpture and poetry
4. Excursions for leisure and education
5. Physical and mental games and competitions
Ibdaa library was set up in 1996 after it was realized that there was nowhere in the camp where children had access to reading materials alongside films and other educational resources. The library now provides a dedicated space for children to use these materials for their cultural and social development and also provides an opportunity for recreation. It is the first library to open in Deheisheh refugee camp. It now contains more than two thousand books in both Arabic and English but there is the opportunity to borrow a far greater number through the library network of Palestine. It is open every afternoon and is used by several hundred children each week.
Aims
To provide the children in Deheisheh camp with access to books to encourage their reading and expand their learning and to provide an opportunity for recreation in a safe environment.
Library materials
The key subject areas covered by books in the library include:
* Children's stories
* Science
* Palestinian culture
* Palestinian history, including refugees’ oral history
* Worldwide theology
* Social science
Library activities
The library also organizes events for the children with the aim of encouraging exercise and leisure activities and raising cultural awareness. Regular events include:
1. Screenings of educational films
2. Critical discussions about books read by groups of children
3. Workshops to demonstrate skills in art, with a special focus on painting, sculpture and poetry
4. Excursions for leisure and education
5. Physical and mental games and competitions