Lajee Music Institute
Lajee Music Institute organized its Second Summer Music Camp, bringing together 43 children and youth aged 5 to 17 for a vibrant four-day program filled with musical learning, creativity, and fun.
The camp aimed to develop musical skills and promote artistic expression through a wide range of interactive activities. It began with emotional release exercises and ice-breaking games, followed by choral singing, instrument training, rhythm practice, and an introduction to the maqams of Arabic music in a simplified, engaging way.
Participants also explored music appreciation, connected music to personal feelings, and experienced the joy of group performance. The program expanded beyond music to include expressive drawing during live music, vocal training, musical competitions, and sports and recreational activities, all designed to strengthen teamwork, creativity, and confidence.
The camp concluded with a final musical performance and a group breakfast, followed by a fun-filled trip to Battir Resort, marking a joyful end to a rich, empowering experience.
ACLAI Palestine
ACLAI Palestine Gym continued its commitment to community health by offering specialized fitness training for individuals with chronic illnesses. As part of an ongoing health program, the gym now provides regular, medically informed exercise sessions to a group of 38 women and 10 men—all of whom are chronic illness patients dealing with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke-related complications.
These participants receive customized workouts tailored to their physical needs, with a focus on muscle strengthening, improving mobility, and enhancing circulation, all under the guidance of a qualified and attentive training team. This group is part of the gym’s broader community, which includes many other regular members attending for general fitness.
In partnership with Lajee’s Health Unit, the gym hosted educational workshops for trainers, including courses on diabetes, hypertension, and first aid. These sessions equipped the staff with essential knowledge for safely supporting individuals with medical conditions during workouts.
Health Unit
This June, the Health Unit at Lajee Center led two impactful initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness and strengthening community resilience.
i) Health Lectures for Gym Trainers
In coordination with ACLAI Palestine Gym, the unit delivered specialized training sessions for gym coaches focused on improving their ability to support members with chronic conditions. The sessions covered how to measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as basic first aid techniques and emergency response procedures. These trainings ensure that gym staff are equipped to respond promptly and appropriately to health emergencies, especially for those living with diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses.
ii) 6th Annual Summer Health Camp for Women
From June 12th to 15th, the Health Unit hosted its Sixth Summer Health Camp, welcoming over 70 women from Aida Camp, Al-Azza Camp, and nearby areas for four days of health education, creative expression, and personal empowerment.
The camp offered a safe, interactive space for participants to build self-confidence, improve their well-being, and support one another through challenging social, economic, and political conditions. Activities included:
- Health awareness sessions on diabetes, hypertension, bone health, and first aid, including a special visit from an orthopedic doctor.
- Mental health support sessions and healthy dessert-making workshops.
- Handicraft workshops: candle making, crochet keychains, satin flowers, and recycled glass bottle art.
- Cultural and recreational activities, including team games and sports, which encouraged community building and active participation.
A special feature of this year’s camp was the addition of “Health Corners,” where women living with chronic illnesses shared their personal experiences and displayed their handmade crafts. These stations fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment among the participants.
The camp concluded with a group breakfast and a public exhibition of the participants’ creative work. On the final day, June 25th, everyone enjoyed a recreational trip to Battir Resort, offering a joyful and relaxing closure to a meaningful week.
Environmental Unit
June was a month of active environmental education and urban agriculture for the Environmental Unit at Lajee Center. Through practical activities and community engagement, the unit continued to cultivate environmental awareness and hands-on experience among youth and local residents.
i) Environmental Education Program: From Seeds to Soil
As part of the Environmental Education Program, the unit hosted its third session with the environmental group, focusing on the practical application of seed planting techniques. The session included mustard seed germination, following a previous lecture on the topic, allowing participants to connect theory with hands-on learning.
ii) Harvest and Distribution of Fresh Produce
The team harvested a variety of crops—including Swiss chard, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and green beans—from the rooftop gardens and greenhouses. These fresh, homegrown vegetables were then distributed to chronic illness patients, supporting both community health and food security.
iii) Rooftop and Greenhouse Maintenance
Significant care was devoted to maintaining the green spaces:
- Routine checkups and cleaning of the greenhouse on the roof of Abu Shaeira’s home.
- Watering and caring for plants and flowers across the center, including stairwells and rooftops.
- Pruning tomato plants and removing bean crops that had reached the end of their production cycle.
- Repairing wooden planters and sifting soil to prepare for future planting, ensuring a healthy growing environment.
- planting parsley in hydroponic towers on Lajee’s rooftop
iv) Environmental Club Activities
The Environmental Club continued its weekly Friday gatherings, focusing on strengthening the culture of urban gardening and training members in the care and maintenance of rooftop greenhouses.
Activities included planting in hydroponic towers and environment-themed games and competitions, reinforcing environmental values through engaging, student-led participation.
Through these initiatives, the Environmental Unit continues to root environmental consciousness in daily practice—empowering youth to grow food, care for the earth, and lead with sustainability.
Rebel Circus School
This month, the Rebel Circus School students traveled to Madrid, Spain, as part of a dynamic cultural and artistic exchange program with Spanish circus students. Divided into two groups, the first delegation arrived on June 6th, followed by the second on June 20th.
During their time in Spain, the students participated in an intensive summer circus camp that featured a range of skill-building workshops, artistic exchanges, and collaborative show preparations. These sessions were designed to enhance the participants’ performance techniques, creativity, and cross-cultural dialogue.
The highlight of the trip was the presentation of two powerful performances in Madrid, where the Palestinian students showcased their talents through movement, balance, physical expression, and symbolism. Their acts carried deep and meaningful messages centered on justice, freedom, and Palestinian identity, seamlessly blending circus arts with political and cultural storytelling.
The performances received wide acclaim and emotional engagement from diverse audiences, including Spain’s Minister of Youth and Children, the Mayor of Rivas Madrid, several municipal officials, and many supporters and friends of Lajee Center in Spain.
This cultural exchange not only allowed Lajee’s youth to share their stories through art, but also created lasting connections and mutual understanding with their Spanish counterparts. Through circus, the Rebel students became ambassadors of resistance, resilience, and creative expression, leaving an unforgettable impression in every space they performed.
Lajee Celtic
This June brought a proud moment for Lajee-Celtic Academy, as one of its standout young talents, Ahmed Mohammed As’ad Al-Aweiwi (15 years old), was officially selected as a starting player for the Palestinian National Youth Football Team.
Ahmed’s selection marks a significant milestone in his athletic journey and is a testament to years of dedication, discipline, and focused training within the Lajee-Celtic system. His development reflects the academy’s commitment to nurturing young athletes, enhancing their technical and mental skills, and providing a supportive environment where talent can thrive.
This achievement not only honors Ahmed’s hard work but also serves as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire academy and community. It highlights the potential of youth in refugee camps to reach national and international levels when given the opportunity and support
