Health and Environmental Unit
This month, the Health Unit at Lajee Center carried out 268 home visits, providing essential care to 142 patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes in Aida and Al-Azza refugee camps. During these visits, our community health workers closely monitored patients’ vital signs, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, oxygen, and heart rates. They ensured patients adhered to their medication schedules as prescribed by Dr. Mohammad and Dr. Henry, while also offering dietary guidance and psychological support. Many visits extended to an hour or more, providing patients with the opportunity to share their concerns, particularly regarding the emotional and economic stress caused by the current circumstances.
The health team addressed specific cases requiring additional attention. For example, a 50-year-old patient with long-term hypertension experienced unstable readings. After adjusting her medications and providing tailored support, her condition stabilized. Another 70-year-old patient, who has struggled with diabetes for 23 years and hypertension for 14 years, underwent a revised insulin schedule. With close follow-ups and monitoring, her blood sugar levels showed significant improvement. Both cases highlight the team’s dedication to individualized care and ongoing progress assessments.
Alongside health interventions, the Environmental Unit remained active in promoting sustainability and food security through gardening and hydroponic systems. The team harvested and distributed fresh crops, such as onions and leafy greens, to patients, ensuring access to healthy produce. Daily maintenance of water systems and greenhouses supported consistent crop growth, while damaged infrastructure, such as hydroponic towers and pumps, was repaired to maintain optimal operations.
Youth engagement continued through the Environmental Club, where students participated in planting and maintaining crops, learning hands-on sustainable farming practices.
Significant achievements this month included the harvest of 7.58 kg of produce from hydroponic systems and the expansion of seedling production to diversify future crops. Through the combined efforts of the Health and Environmental Unit, Lajee Center continues to make a meaningful impact, addressing urgent health needs while fostering environmental sustainability.
Media Unit
The Media Unit at Lajee Center has released the documentary “Aida After October 7”, which sheds light on the political and economic realities in Aida Refugee Camp.
The film documents the camp’s journey of resilience, beginning with the martyrdom of Mohammad Ali Izzieh, followed by repeated injuries, arrests, and ongoing Israeli raids targeting refugees in the camp. It also highlights the raids on Lajee Center, during which the Israeli army stormed the center multiple times, removing the Palestinian flag from its rooftop in an attempt to erase a symbol of Palestinian national identity.
In addition to the political challenges, the documentary portrays the economic deterioration faced by the refugees, as many lost their sources of income due to disruptions in their work.
Despite these hardships, the film delivers a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing that Aida Camp has endured even greater challenges throughout its history. It highlights the steadfastness of its residents, who remain committed to their principles and firmly believe in the justice of their cause.
This production is part of Lajee Center’s media efforts to present an authentic narrative of Palestinian life, document the struggles of refugees in the camps, and showcase their resistance and perseverance in the face of occupation.
Lajee Celtic Academy
As part of its sports and social activities for children, Lajee Celtic Academy, in collaboration with the European Football Academy, organized a friendly sports event for children aged 5-12 years at the Lajee Center’s field.
The event was filled with excitement and enthusiasm, as both teams competed in enjoyable friendly matches that showcased the children’s talents and high sportsmanship.
Lajee Celtic Academy’s team demonstrated remarkable performance throughout the matches, delivering an impressive display of their advanced skills and reflecting the results of their intensive training sessions.
Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten
December 2024 was filled with meaningful and enjoyable activities for the children at Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten, despite the harsh circumstances caused by the ongoing war since October 7. The war has had a significant impact on the psychological and economic well-being of families, making it difficult for parents to provide recreational opportunities for their children.
To help bring joy and a sense of normalcy to the children, the kindergarten organized a recreational trip aimed at giving them a chance to play, have fun, and create happy memories.
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the children visited Zig Zag in Beit Jala, a play center filled with games and activities that children love. From the moment they left the kindergarten and boarded the bus, the excitement was clear on their faces. Their laughter and smiles filled the air as they enthusiastically played and explored all the games available.
The children expressed their happiness and gratitude to their teachers after the trip. Parents were also thankful for this thoughtful initiative, as it provided their children with a much-needed break and an opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day during these challenging times.
Additional Activities:
– End-of-Term Evaluations: Teachers distributed assessments at the end of the first term to monitor the children’s progress.
– Planting with Majd: Children participated in planting activities, fostering environmental awareness and a love for nature.
These activities not only brought joy and excitement to the children but also supported their learning and growth, helping them experience moments of happiness despite the ongoing difficulties.
