Palestine

15 new youth scholars were accepted to start their enrichment, education and volunteering journey at Ruwwad Palestine. The enrichment journey includes a cultural component, a business and leadership component, and a weekly cultural dialogue forum that offers a safe space to discuss youth-related topics with various speakers and policymakers.

In March 2019, nine youth scholars celebrated their graduation from Ruwwad after completing their journey in Ruwwad's Enrichment Program, and giving back to their community through volunteer work and launching various initiatives. The Enrichment Program focuses on dialogue, wellness and business skills to enhance critical thinking, open-mindedness and respect for diversity and pluralism.

The renovation works of Qibya Library in November 2019 took place in collaboration with Palestine Bank and Give Palestine Association. The renovated library now includes a storytelling room and a showroom for films., With the expansion of activities and services, more children from different villages started attending the library regularly.

A support center was established in Qibya village in August 2019 to provide Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and photocopying services for university and school students. The center was established with a grant from the Dalia Association for the purchase of ICT tools, within “Abda” youth project, in partnership with the Drosos Foundation.

15 Ruwwad youth scholars and graduates participated in the “Sound of Change” training. The first level took place in January 2019 and the second in June 2019. The training focused on enhancing youth creativity and building their capacity in the area of using music in training and education.

Business Development Training was conducted in March through May 2019 for 15 Ruwwad scholars’ entrepreneurs. Training topics included small project management, marketing and pricing, regulations and legal framework. Follow-up visits after the training ensured that all the information provided during the training was fully understood and absorbed by the entrepreneurs, and to provide further guidance and mentorship.

As part of the Community program, the “Natouf Bazaar” was held in July and November 2019 to economically support community-based businesses. Local food products and handmade accessories were sold, with 40 stalls participating. The bazaar will continue to be held twice per year in partnership and collaboration with “Dalia Association” and “Drosos”.

In July 2019, 240 children took part in the summer camp in Budrus, Qibya, and Nilin. Camp activities focused on imagination and creativity and equipped children with knowledge and skills to help them express themselves and set goals.

Social leadership, protecting public property, youth and child social responsibility and positive social change were the focus of the winter camp in the villages Budrus and Qibya. Camp activities included learning photography skills, recycling, puppetry and theater, all to reinforce the connection between children and the spaces in their village.