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The Aroub Centre Project Located about 7 miles outside of Hebron city in the West Bank lies the al-Aroub refugee camp, a sprawling city of nearly 8000 people covering roughly two and a half million sq. feet. Childreach International has recently begun working in al-Aroub in partnernship with Les enfants, le jeu et l’education (EJE) to support, fund and develop the ‘al-Aroub Play and Activities Centre.’
Just one of the many activities that take place at the centre Given the difficulties faced by many people in camps such as al-Aroub, the centre is an important place for children and teenagers to engage in a wide range of activities and provides them 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, empowering the community and allowing the spread of important knowledge and skills. The al-Aroub centre also focuses it’s efforts on networking within the wider community, developing activities centred around children’s rights. This takes place within the framework of awareness-raising meetings, exchanges and meetings between families, teachers, and children from different communities. Childreach and the al-Aroub centre firmly believe that every child has the right to a healthy psychological and educational growth, therefore space is provided in order to allow the children to express their feelings and problems through organising recreational and educational activities.
Case Studies Deema's Story:
“My name is Deema Khaled Ibrahim Sarhan, and I am 11 years old. I come from a village called Tenna where I live with my mother and father. I have lots of hobbies like photography, football, swimming and drawing. My dreams are so simple; I want to finish my studies and become a pharmacist, and to travel abroad. I like to spend my time reading and learning the dabkah (a traditional folk dance). I’m a girl who is full of life and emotions and I consider myself lucky to have a good, alternative family in the Aroub centre – they try to give me all the warmth and love I need. The centre has given me the opportunity to spend my time in a fruitful way, and improve my knowledge and to remind me that we are children entitled to our rights. During my time at the centre I have learned lots of things; Workshops on children’s rights, and girl’s rights in particular. We have also taken photography training and participated in open days. We share our time with all the volunteers and staff at the centre and they help us to listen to each other and respect each other’s opinions. I believe the Aroub centre give us the right space to make our dreams come true."
Deema is involved with many activities at the centre
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