December 2025 Newsletter

Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten 

This month at Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten, children enjoyed a variety of interactive and joyful learning experiences that supported their cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Children participated in a hands-on orange cake baking activity with the support of one of the mothers, allowing them to learn through their senses, practice teamwork, and explore basic food concepts in a fun way.

Through a “Community Helpers” activity, a parent hairdresser visited the class, helping children learn about different professions, practice social roles, and strengthen their speaking and communication skills by presenting short performances to their classmates.

The kindergarten also welcomed a dentist, who introduced children to oral health care and the importance of keeping their teeth healthy through engaging and age-appropriate activities.

Storytime was transformed into a magical experience through a shadow theater presentation of “The Three Goats,” which enhanced listening skills, imagination, concentration, and language development.

Children also prepared a fruit salad activity focused on citrus fruits, learning about healthy foods while practicing cooperation and teamwork.

A group breakfast strengthened social bonds and encouraged healthy eating habits, and the month concluded with a special end-of-term celebration, featuring group games, face painting, and memorable photo moments to celebrate children’s achievements.

Boxing Program

Boxing training sessions continued three times a week, providing youth with structured physical activity that supports fitness, self-discipline, emotional regulation, and self-confidence. The regular sessions focused on physical conditioning, coordination, focus, and perseverance, offering participants a positive and healthy outlet for their energy.

Rebel Circus School

The circus school celebrated the completion of a three-month circus training program led by Spanish coach Anaïs, as part of the Payasos en Rebeldía program. Students learned various circus skills and participated in several performances.

The final performance for the older group was held at La Frère School during the bazaar opening. In addition, students took part in joint performances with Spanish circus artists and circus school students across different areas of the West Bank.

There was also a visit from the FestiClown Palestine group, which is organized every year by the Payasos School. Youth from the Rivas area and circus artists took part, offering a range of fun and creative activities for children in Bethlehem, as well as in schools in Hebron and Tulkarm.

Health Unit

The Health Unit continued to play a vital role in supporting community well-being, with a strong focus on women’s health, chronic disease care, and mental health.

A major highlight was the Third Winter Health Camp, which welcomed over 80 women from Aida and Al-Azza refugee camps and surrounding areas. Most participants were over 40 years old, many living with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Over four days (December 13–16, 2025), the camp offered physical exercises, healthy cooking, first aid awareness, bone health education, menopause health sessions, psychological support workshops, medical screenings, cultural and recreational activities, and traditional singing. The camp concluded with a therapeutic recreational trip to Hammam Al-Qala’ Al-Shami in Bethlehem.

Alongside the camp, the Health Unit conducted over 150 home visits to patients with chronic illnesses, documented cases through the KOBO system, coordinated follow-ups with specialized doctors, hosted a general surgeon for minor procedures, and provided emergency and supportive medical services.

Environmental Unit

The Environmental Unit continued to promote environmental awareness, sustainable agriculture, and food security through hands-on community initiatives.

The team distributed winter seedlings to families, maintained rooftop and indoor plants, and continued agricultural work in the greenhouses, including pruning, trellising, fertilizing, and irrigation system maintenance.

The unit harvested cucumbers with the Environmental Club women, distributed produce to participants and patients, reactivated hydroponic towers, followed up on camp greenhouses, and planted ornamental flowers around the center.

Lajee Music Institute

Throughout December, the Lajee Music Institute continued regular training sessions focused on developing musical skills, artistic expression, and discipline.

Students participated in rhythm, scale, and instrumental technique exercises, alongside group practices to strengthen listening skills, harmony, and teamwork. Clear improvement was observed in performance quality, focus, and musical understanding.

The violin program showed strong progress, supported by group training that encouraged motivation and positive competition. Students also recorded a musical performance video that was shared online.

Weekly oud lessons and rhythm classes continued, helping students build strong musical foundations and expand their artistic abilities.

Lajee-Celtic Club and Academy

The first team took part in two friendly matches: the first against the Palestinian Youth National Team at Dura Stadium, achieving a well-earned victory, and the second against Beit Hanina Youth Center at Al-Khader International Stadium. Despite the loss due to multiple injuries during the match, including a serious injury to one defender, the game reflected the team’s commitment, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

In addition, four players from Lajee-Celtic were nominated to participate in trials for the Palestinian Olympic National Team. Mahmoud Al-Zeir was officially selected to join the team, while Abdulrahman Al-Zeir was unable to attend due to injury, and Mahdi Roumi and Ahmad Abu Akar gained valuable experience through the trials.

ACLAI-Palestine Gym 

ACLAI-Palestine Gym continued to provide a supportive and motivating space that promotes physical health, well-being, and positive routines for youth and adults.

Despite challenging conditions in the camp and ongoing nightly raids, training sessions continued with adjusted opening hours to ensure safety and accessibility. During the month, 164 women and more than 75 men participated in regular training programs.

The gym recorded a total of 1,954 visits and facilitated 332 training sessions throughout December, reflecting strong engagement and the continued importance of the gym as a healthy, empowering, and community-centered space.