Project Palestine

Phase 1: Complete

From March to May 2011, we implemented a pilot project supported by UNRWA. We implemented capoeira activities as part of a psychosocial programme, teaching 480 children in schools and refugee camps in the West Bank.

The impact of the activities on the psychosocial wellbeing of the children has being highly effective in improving the quality of the relationships among the children, and in reducing aggressive behaviours. The results of the impact evaluation will be ready and presented in June.

Phase 2

Building on the first phase we have identified spaces in two West Bank camps Shufat and Jalazone to continue capoeira activities for four months. We will be working with vulnerable children and youth, particularly those exposed violence and facing protection issues. Outreach work with the local communities will also continue to help identify the most vulnerable children.

The present 4 month project proposal, as a child protection initiative, addresses the right to play and engaging in leisure and cultural activities, as a key means to foster the healthy development of children and adolescents living in the camps, and to reduce their exposure to family and social conflict, domestic violence, and the risks related to the unsafe environment they live in.