“I use the books to improve my knowledge... and as a result, my performance and concentration have improved. I have a better understanding of the rights of children. I would like to volunteer to serve my society, to change it and develop it”

Angham, an eleven year old girl from West Bank, has learnt a lot since joining The Library on Wheels for Non Violence and Peace, (LOWNP), our project partner in Occupied Palestinian Territories. LOWNP are using education to help children in Hebron, West Bank, deal with the effects of local conflicts and help resolve their problems in a peaceful way.

She and many other children face numerous difficulties and have many fears living in Hebron.

Angham lives in an area that suffers from conflict and tension between settlers, the military forces and Palestinians. Harassment, intimidation and violence are common occurrences in the daily lives of the children.

“My biggest fear is the occupying soldiers and the settlers and I am always concerned for my safety”

- Angham, 11.

Poor living standards, high unemployment and crime rates are further inflaming tensions. Road blocks put a strain on the local economy and subsequently force many businesses and families to flee.

“Hebron is an area of intense conflict, with episodes of violence in the streets, in the families, and among the youth. The entire society feels the effects of this situation, but the most struck by the poor living conditions are the children and the young people, who have less or no protection against this environment.”

- LOWNP

LOWNP are helping children deal with the effects of conflict by working with the local communities to solve the problems they face by peaceful means.

“Together with individuals and local organizations, we help people to overcome their grievances and push for social justice by peaceful means.”

- LOWNP

To achieve this, the project works with schools and centres in Hebron. They provide a library where children borrow books, as well as running workshops for drama, photography, storytelling and crafts, which teach children about their rights and peaceful ways to solve the problems they face.

“We work on the ground, helping people to gain hope, but also skills and capabilities that will enable them to achieve a new and better future.”

- LOWNP

Angham’s story

Angham enjoys the things most 11 year olds enjoy.  Currently studying in sixth grade, she loves learning – her favourite subject is science. In her spare time Angham reads and writes stories, and chats and plays with friends. She loves her country and community.

However, growing up in the West Bank can throw difficult challenges at children like Angham. She has many fears; that settlers will harass or intimidate her on her way to school, or that when armed soldiers come into her school, someone will get hurt.

“My concern is always for my safety and for that of the other children at school”

-Angham

Despite this, Angham still dreams of becoming an architectural engineer or a paediatrician so that she can help children who experience fear and lack of security and stability like herself, and continue working toward peace in Occupied Palestinian Territories.

“I want to give children the opportunity for a life like other children everywhere”

Since attending the project, Angham has being dealing with her fears by reading books that reflect her own experiences, helping her to familiarise and deal with the problems she faces.

In such a volatile and insecure region, racked by historical tensions and violence, it is vital to help Palestine’s future generations learn about their rights and work toward peace. LOWNP hope to create a generation of Palestinians who believe in reconciliation, forgiveness, respect of differences, equal opportunities and peaceful practices.

“We believe that our work is necessary to head for a solution to the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis in a peaceful way, while the needs and rights of all are taken into consideration. We want to be able to prepare a new generation that can actively participate in the decision-making process in and for Palestine.”

- LOWNP

The Library on Wheels for Non Violence and Peace is strengthening children’s reading skills, their knowledge of their culture and helping children tackle these difficulties to create lasting peace.

Give now to carry on supporting LOWNP's efforts in Occupied Palestinians Territories, and help those on the ground secure lasting peace.