PARC Jerusalem Launches Ten Summer Camps
For Traumatized Children
June 2005
On Friday 25th June 2005, PARC Jerusalem closed a training course for 60 young men and women volunteers coming from ten villages and locations in the Jerusalem Governorate. The training theme centered on creating young leaders who will be in charge of the summer camps planned for this summer by PARC in the Jerusalem Governorate. The training was held in PARC premises in Beit Hanina from 21-25 June 2005. And it concentrated on the following subjects and skills:
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Interaction and communication with
children.
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Leadership skills.
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Managing dialogue and discussions.
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Problem solving and conflict resolution.
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Camp leaders’ skills.
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Concepts of supervision and monitoring.
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Report writing.
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Ideas for recreational programs and activities.
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Preparation for exhibitions and art workshops.
The training was done by Ra’fat Arar, a specialized field community leader and accredited trainer by the Palestinian Youth and Sport Ministry. Mr. Arar enjoys a good and first hand experience in national and international camps for youths.
It is worth noting that the same 60 trainees are presently engaged in further training held by the National Committee for Summer Camps. The training will last 4 days and will cover the following themes:
“Children and youngsters in Jerusalem suffer from huge pressure and stress resulting from the harsh prevailing economic and political situations, which have deteriorated adversely after Israel started the construction of the Wall around Jerusalem,” said Aziz Allan, the director of PARC Jerusalem Branch.
Mr. Allan highlighted a number of critical problems faced by the children and youths in Jerusalem like drop off school, early marriage, drug addiction, house demolishing, and others. He adds:
“ We as being one of the most active NGOs concerned with sustainable development assume our responsibility to alleviate people’s suffering and release them from stress and tension as far as we can. Therefore, we have launched summer camps for youngsters of both sex aiming at decreasing the psychological effect on distressed children and youths and enhancing their resistance to traumas and crisis, which they frequently experience. Furthermore, our intervention intends to reduce the fears and concerns of Palestinian mothers who assume grave responsibilities and invest non ordinary efforts at household to provide security and protection for their children besides their usual duties. ”
The summers camps will be held from 10 July to 10 August 2005 in the following locations:
The Old Town of Jerusalem; Eissawiyya; Silwan; Ashayyah; Sheikh Saed; Arab Al-Jahhalin; Abu Deis; Al-Jeeb; Bedou; and Beit Anan.
Nearly 1000 boys and girls will be joining the camps and 60 young leaders headed by a manger/manageress will be in charge of these camps.
The camps will provide a package of activities & programs:
