ACLAI Palestine Gym
Throughout September, the ACLAI Palestine Gym continued to thrive as a hub for fitness and community engagement, hosting 13 female groups with 156 participants and 6 male groups with over 100 participants, reflecting growing interest and participation.
Early in the month, the gym organized a recreational activity for female participants, bringing together more than 50 women on the football field, which fostered community spirit and social support. English and yoga classes also began this month, taught by an international volunteer from India, offering both language learning and holistic wellness training. On September 23rd, the gym hosted an international webinar to update partners on ongoing programs, and on September 28th, a local participant meeting with over 70 attendees evaluated the gym’s progress and led to the formation of a committee to ensure sustainability. Toward the end of the month, a coaching workshop focused on technical knowledge, exercise terminology, and coaching principles to improve the quality of guidance for participants.
In September, the gym conducted a total of 300 sessions with 2,083 attendances and held four team meetings. The coaching team led the sessions with dedication, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for all participants. The gym’s consistent activities, workshops, and social events continued to strengthen community ties and promote both physical and social well-being among youth and women in the camps.
During this month, the gym also faced a significant challenge when Israeli occupation forces raided the facility during a youth training session. Soldiers demanded that the coach and participants leave, but the group refused, leading to a tense confrontation while the forces conducted a search of the gym and other areas of the center. This occurred during regular training, which is part of the gym’s ongoing efforts to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering space for youth from Aida and Al-Azza camps and surrounding areas. Despite this disruption, the gym continued its activities as planned, demonstrating the resilience and determination of both staff and participants in maintaining youth engagement, community support, and empowerment through sports.
Women’s Unit
The Women’s Unit continued its empowering programs for women in September. On September 18th, 17 women participated in a planning meeting for upcoming activities and cooperative projects. On September 21st, 13 women joined a psychosocial support session featuring recreational and stress-relief activities.
The embroidery workshop remained active daily, resulting in 126 handbags and 130 bookmarks completed this month. The unit also held near-daily meetings to advance the cooperative’s development plan, supporting women’s economic empowerment and preserving Palestinian handicraft traditions.
Media Unit
The Media Unit focused on skill development through the Media Club, with recent sessions dedicated to long-exposure photography. Students practiced the technique, shared their work for group discussion, and received feedback to enhance both technical and creative abilities.
This initiative strengthens the Media Club’s role as an interactive learning space for youth, fostering creativity, collaboration, and artistic growth.
Lajee-Celtic Football Club
The football club played friendly matches throughout the month.
- Against Shabab Aqbat Jabr, the match ended in a goalless draw, with all participants showing strong sportsmanship. During the match, goalkeeper Abdulrahman Mohammad Badran was injured, and the team expressed full solidarity and wished him a speedy recovery.
- In a later match, Lajee Celtic defeated Shabab Halhoul 2–1 at Al-Khader International Stadium, demonstrating growth and teamwork.
The team continues training for future friendly matches, maintaining a focus on fair play, skill development, and community spirit.
Health & Environmental Unit
The Health and Environmental Unit conducted home visits to 161 patients with diabetes and hypertension from Aida and Al-Azza camps, providing continuous medical monitoring and care. Each visit was carefully recorded in the KoBo system, under the supervision of Dr. Henry, ensuring accurate tracking and follow-up for all patients according to their health needs.
The unit also organized a recreational health activity at Al-Bat Park for 55 women patients, combining interactive discussions, a collective breakfast prepared by the participants, and traditional songs. This event focused on promoting emotional well-being, social connection, and stress relief, offering a joyful break from daily challenges while strengthening community bonds.
Significant progress was made in the urban agriculture initiatives, including the establishment and maintenance of three greenhouses. These greenhouses, equipped with Dutch Bucket systems, were used for planting and caring for vegetables and other plants. Weekly Environmental Club activities provided participants with hands-on experience in gardening, watering, fertilizing, and nurturing the plants, combining learning with practical engagement.
A highlight of the month was the collaboration with Medicare Laboratory, a voluntary health initiative that targeted 75 patients from the camps. Patients received kidney function tests (creatinine) and blood sugar assessments, allowing for better monitoring and preventive care. This partnership emphasizes the Lajee Center’s commitment to high-quality, accessible healthcare, strengthening the connection between local healthcare providers and the community while supporting the most vulnerable populations.
Lajee Library
The Library Unit engaged children in reading, discussion, and creative activities.
• “Alphabet of Aida Camp” introduced children to the Arabic alphabet while discussing meaningful words like resistance and steadfast. 17 children participated.
• “The Boy and the Wall” explored life in Aida Camp and the separation wall. Children colored illustrations related to Palestine and Jerusalem, followed by library games, with 28 children participating.
These activities nurture literacy, cultural knowledge, and creative expression in a supportive environment.
Lajee Music Institute
The Lajee Music Institute continued its diverse training programs throughout September, offering lessons in qanun, violin, oud, percussion, and vocal training. Students showed steady progress and commitment across all instruments, while instructors emphasized technique, collaboration, and artistic expression. The institute remains a creative space for young musicians to grow, refine their skills, and express their passion for music.
Zahret Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten
September marked the beginning of the new school year at Zahret Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten, welcoming 78 children from both inside and outside Aida Camp. This growth was made possible by the opening of a new class, expanding from two classes last year to three this year to accommodate the increasing number of children. The kindergarten also welcomed new teachers and a social specialist, enhancing both the educational and emotional support offered to students. The focus remains on providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and holistic child development.
ZAY Parents Meeting
The first parents meeting of the year was held in September, providing families with an overview of the play-based learning methodology and the new educational plan. Parents met the administrative and educational staff, viewed a short video about the kindergarten’s teaching philosophy, and participated in interactive classroom activities. Separate sessions were held, allowing parents to see teaching methods in action, review student work, and engage directly in classroom activities. The meeting fostered a friendly and collaborative atmosphere, reinforcing the partnership between parents and staff to ensure the best support for children’s educational journey.
Rebel Circus School
The Rebel Circus School continued four weekly training sessions for all groups, focusing on aerial arts and gymnastics. Participants develop strength, flexibility, and teamwork, while exploring creativity and confidence through circus arts.
Boxing Program
The Boxing Program ran two groups training three days per week, emphasizing strength, endurance, technique, and discipline. The program provides a structured environment for youth to build physical fitness, resilience, and teamwork.
Playground Renovation
In September, the first phase of renovations to the Lajee Center playground began, led in partnership with Design Palestine and 1for3. An international design competition was held as part of the project, attracting students from universities across Europe, the USA, and the Middle East. The winning designs are now being adapted and implemented in this initial phase.
This project aims to create a modern, safe, and engaging space for children, combining creativity, cultural heritage, and community involvement, reflecting the center’s commitment to inclusive and innovative play spaces.
