Environmental Unit
The Environmental Club had a productive month with activities focused on creativity and education. Participants crafted a Ramadan crescent using recycled materials such as foam and corniche, reinforcing the importance of reusing materials to reduce waste. Additionally, club members were assigned environmental and educational topics to research and present to one another, fostering peer learning and increasing awareness on sustainability.
Another impactful activity was the farming and harvesting initiative involving patients. Patients were divided into groups and invited to the Lajee Center’s greenhouse to participate in harvesting fresh produce. In March, one group of four patients harvested 2.5 kg of mallow and 957 g of lettuce. By the end of the month, a total of 7.853 kg of mallow, beans, onions, red lettuce, and green lettuce had been harvested. This activity provided patients with an opportunity to engage in agricultural work, benefit from the fresh produce, and experience the therapeutic aspects of farming.
A separate harvest also took place at Beit Abu Sha’ira.
Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten
The kindergarten students engaged in several interactive and educational activities this month. One of the highlights was reading the story “When the Door Knocked”, which introduces children to the traditions and decorations of Ramadan, such as the crescent moon and lanterns. After the discussion, children created their own crescent moon decorations to display in their classroom while enjoying Ramadan-themed songs.
Another engaging activity was the reading of “The Sweetest Songs”, followed by a discussion with the children. The session began with a movement game involving foot taps, finger exercises, clapping, and stomping, leading into an introduction to simple musical instruments. Children learned how to use them and explored different sounds, making the activity both educational and fun.
The kindergarten students watched a video about farm animals, helping them distinguish between farm and wild animals. In addition, they listened to the story “The Sweetest Songs”, introduced through a hands-on activity. Various kitchen utensils, such as kettles, spoons, and plates, were placed on the floor for children to play with, creating different sounds. This engaging exercise helped them explore sound before transitioning to a musical activity with simple instruments.
Another story, “The Eid”, was read and discussed with the children, followed by a creative art activity related to the theme of the holiday.
The children also participated in two environmental activities: one involving Non-Newtonian Fluid, where they explored unusual textures and reactions, and another involving Bubbles, offering a playful way to learn about air and water.
Lajee Library
The library hosted special Ramadan-themed activities for young readers. Children read and discussed the story “What’s the Problem?”, which revolves around the role of the musaharati (the traditional Ramadan night caller). Following the discussion, they participated in a hands-on activity that recreated the suhoor (pre-dawn meal) atmosphere, including phrases the musaharati chants at night.
As part of the special Ramadan program, children from the choir, dabke, and library program participated in decorating the center with crescent moons and festive ornaments.
Additionally, two creative writing sessions were held for children to continue developing their storytelling skills.
Second Online Return Competition
In partnership with BADIL Center and the Global Refugee and Displaced Persons Network, Lajee Center launched the Second Online Return Competition during Ramadan for youth aged 12-17 from Aida and Al-Azza refugee camps. The competition aimed to enhance Palestinian refugees’ awareness of their rights, with a particular focus on UNRWA’s role and the importance of sustaining its services.
Participants answered 15 questions covering UNRWA’s duties, Palestinian issues, literature, and general knowledge. Each day, two questions were posted on Lajee Center’s Facebook page, and winners were selected through a lottery system. The competition generated significant engagement and enthusiasm among participants.
Lajee Music Institute
Music lessons continued at Lajee Center with both practical and theoretical sessions. Children participated in choir rehearsals and instrument training.
A special Musical Appreciation Program “With Waad” also continued this month. Designed for children aged 4-6, the program helps develop musical sensitivity through engaging games, rhythmic exercises, and simplified musical elements. It aims to build children’s confidence, enhance their listening skills, and introduce them to the fundamentals of music in a fun and interactive way.
Women’s Unit
March was a productive month for the Women’s Unit at Lajee Center, with a series of training sessions focused on cooperative management. These sessions aimed to equip women with essential skills in administration, financial planning, and teamwork, empowering them to take on leadership roles within their cooperative initiatives.
The training program, led by Layan Al-Azza, continued throughout the month as part of an ongoing effort to build the administrative capacities of the women involved. The second session, held on March 1st, lasted three hours and was attended by ten women. This session introduced the concept of management, distributed pre-training assessment forms, and provided a detailed explanation of management principles, types of management, and different types of cooperatives.
On March 8th, the third session took place with seven participants. This training focused on defining cooperative functions and the fundamental elements of management. The session also explored how these elements can be applied in practical settings, particularly within the cooperative. Participants engaged in discussions about the challenges of management and how to navigate them effectively.
The fourth session, held on March 15th, gathered six women for a hands-on workshop on cooperative work planning. Participants learned how to develop a structured work plan, coordinate management elements, and effectively assign tasks within a cooperative. They were divided into small working groups and practiced designing an operational plan, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.
The final session of the month took place on March 22nd, with eight women in attendance. This session focused on financial management, covering key topics such as budgeting, income and expenses, and financial planning for cooperative projects. Participants gained insights into how to manage resources effectively and ensure financial sustainability for their initiatives.
Rebel Circus School
March was an exciting month for the Rebel Circus School at Lajee Center, with intensive training sessions continuing throughout Ramadan. Under the guidance of trainer Soo from Payasos En Rebeldia, students engaged in advanced circus techniques, including aerial acrobatics, gymnastics, and the creation of dynamic formations and structures. They also received training in aerial walking and clowning, enhancing their physical coordination and stage presence.
In addition to the training sessions, the Rebel Circus School hosted a special visit from Mohammed Al-Azza, Director of Lajee Center. During his visit, he spoke to the students about the importance of the programs offered by the school and encouraged them to stay committed to their training. He also discussed future activities and initiatives planned for the circus school, providing motivation and support to the young performers.
Media Club Competition
The Media Club students at Lajee Center presented a special Ramadan episode in the streets and alleys of Aida Camp. The event included an interactive competition featuring cultural and religious questions, with instant cash prizes awarded to participants.
This initiative was part of a hands-on training aimed at enhancing the students’ media skills, while also spreading joy and easing the difficult economic conditions within the camp.
Training of Trainers (TOT) Course
Lajee Center conducted an intensive training course titled “Training of Trainers” (TOT), with the participation of 10 of its staff members from various units. The course lasted for four days and was supervised by trainer Mr. Riad Mustafa.
The course focused on the fundamentals of training, including session design, goal setting, presentation skills, interaction with trainees, as well as evaluation and follow-up. At the end of the course, participants delivered practical presentations on various topics such as emotional intelligence, time management, and decision-making.
Lajee Center emphasized that this course aligns with its vision of building a qualified team that contributes to community empowerment and serves the camp through effective training and active participation.
This initiative was funded by MCC (Mennonite Central Committee).
Ramadan Evening for Women
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Women’s Unit and the Health Unit at the Lajee Center organized a Ramadan evening for women.
The evening included an interactive musical performance, during which the women participated in singing and performing traditional Palestinian songs, creating a warm and enjoyable atmosphere.
The event also featured a Ramadan-themed competition, where religious questions were posed to the attendees.
