This December, children we work with in Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) opened two exhibitions show casing photographs, film and art capturing the daily lives and thoughts of Palestinian children growing up in refugee camps.

The event coined by Palestinian children and dubbed “Re-imagining Palestine”, displayed vibrant art work and around 100 photographs created by the children during summer 2010, as well as nine short films made in the West Bank and Gaza.

Our project partner – The Al-Aroub Children’s Centre - described Re-imaging Palestine as “a unique project of digital video, photography and storytelling workshops, letting children in Palestine express their cultural identity and personal stories.”

"Rarely seen perspectives"

The art for the exhibition was created at summer workshops in the Al-Aroub Children’s Centre and in a similar centre in Gaza. Their time spent creating the art was documented into nine short videos, offering a unique insight and “rarely seen perspectives” into life growing up in the Al-Aroub and Jabaliya refugee camps.

As well as show casing the children’s art, the exhibition also aimed to develop the capacity of Al-Aroub Children’s Centre, opening its doors to more children across Palestine. “This is just the beginning” said Samahair Rumme, Director of the Al Aroub Children’s Centre.

For the children, the experience proved to be new and exciting. “It was my first time using cameras, and though it was a little difficult we overcame the challenges,” said Abeer Ahmed, one child who was part of the project.

The Al-Aroub Children’s Centre is one of Childreach International’s project partners based in Al- Aroub refugee camp and was set up to provide children with the opportunity to learn in a fun and safe environment. The centre also encourages the improvement of the psychosocial well-being of the children, as well as providing professional training to local staff and partners to cope with the issues the children face.

Give now to help The Al-Alroub Children’s Centre continue to support children growing up in the Al-Aroub refugee camp.

Check out the video below to see some of the activities children get up to at the Al-Aroub Children's Centre.