Health Unit
The Health Unit at Lajee Center continued to implement its comprehensive community-based healthcare programme across Aida and Al-Azza refugee camps, as well as Tulkarm and Jalazone camps, supporting patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension through regular follow-up and home-based care.
The health programme also includes ongoing medical support from a physician, who provides clinical assessments, adjusts treatment plans, and refers patients for laboratory tests and specialist consultations when necessary. The clinic further provided first aid and emergency care services during the month, including specific medical interventions under medical supervision.
The programme also extends to maternal and child health services, supporting 24 children through regular monitoring of growth, development, and maternal wellbeing. Mothers participated in psychosocial awareness sessions led by a psychologist and received essential care packages including milk, diapers, thermometers, baby bottles, and hygiene supplies. In addition, health education activities were implemented with kindergarten children through interactive learning sessions introducing basic health concepts such as heart health and the importance of medical check-ups in a child-friendly way.
Environmental Unit
The Environmental Unit operated rooftop hydroponic greenhouses using Dutch Bucket and NFT systems, contributing to sustainable urban agriculture and producing 35 kg of cucumbers and 15 kg of beans. In addition, community greenhouses were expanded through rooftop installations at the homes of patients benefiting from the health programme, supporting families in producing their own food, strengthening self-sufficiency, and reconnecting with agricultural traditions. A third greenhouse at Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten was dedicated to seedling production, where crops such as watermelon, melon, and tomato were cultivated, along with the transplantation of 103 mint seedlings, which are later distributed to families or used in greenhouse production.
The Environmental Club continued to support recycling initiatives, cleaning campaigns, greenhouse maintenance, and environmental awareness activities within the community. In parallel, a community garden was rehabilitated and replanted with flowers and crops, with dedicated plots allocated to 8 families, creating shared green spaces that strengthen community ties, encourage intergenerational engagement, and revive agricultural practices within the camp environment.
Lajee Celtic Football Club & Academy
The football programme continued its training across all age groups during May 2026. The First Team achieved victories against Shabab Al-Khader and Shabab Al-Tamra, while the youth team secured an exciting 3–2 win against the European Academy.
A major highlight of the month was a community sports event hosted at Al-Khader Stadium in collaboration with Aqabat Jaber Youth Center, featuring four matches across different age categories, strengthening cooperation, sportsmanship, and inter-community engagement.
Boxing Programme
The boxing programme continued with regular training sessions held three times per week, engaging more than 12 youth athletes and expanding participation.
A major international highlight was the participation of Lajee Celtic boxers in a tournament in Rome, Italy. Ri’bal Abu Aker was crowned Best Boxer of the Tournament following an outstanding performance, while Bassem Darwish competed strongly before his match was stopped due to injury. Coach Mayada Abu Surour represented the team throughout the sporting and media programme.
The month also witnessed the launch of a new girls’ boxing group, involving more than 10 female participants, marking an important step toward inclusivity in the sport.
Media Unit
Media Unit students participated in field coverage of key community events, including the Nakba commemoration and the Eid Festival and Bazaar. Through hands-on experience, students developed photography and documentation skills, improved technical abilities in camera use, and gained experience capturing live community events in real-time settings.
These photos were taken by the students.
Eid Festival & Sixth Bazaar
After a two-year pause, Lajee Center successfully organized the Eid Festival for Children and Sixth Bazaar, welcoming participants from Aida Camp and surrounding areas. The event included games, performances, street activities, and cultural entertainment for children and families.
The accompanying bazaar hosted more than 20 booths featuring local products, crafts, food, and handmade items, creating a vibrant community space that supported local production and cultural exchange while reviving traditional celebrations.
Nakba 78th Anniversary Commemoration
Lajee Center hosted a large-scale commemoration of the 78th Nakba anniversary, bringing together residents from Aida, Al-Azza, and the wider Bethlehem Governorate. The event featured cultural performances, dabke, storytelling, art exhibitions, educational spaces, and traditional food, all reflecting Palestinian memory and identity.
The commemoration concluded with the lighting of the Flame of Return, symbolizing the continued commitment to the Right of Return and the preservation of Palestinian historical narrative across generations.
Lajee Library
Lajee Library continued to engage children in storytelling and educational activities focused on creativity, culture, and identity. Interactive sessions included discussions, reading activities, and creative learning exercises designed to develop imagination and communication skills.
A major highlight was the continued development and presentation of children’s creative works as part of long-term artistic learning initiatives.
Lajee Music Institute
Lajee Music Institute continued individual and group training sessions, including choir development and ensemble rehearsals. Participants also performed during community events, contributing to cultural celebrations and strengthening artistic expression and confidence through performance.
Creative Writing & Illustration Programme
Lajee Center launched four original storybooks created by children and young people: The Gate, Cookies and Panda, Just a Small Piece, and Zelobo. Developed over two years in collaboration with writers and artists, the books represent a major milestone in youth creative development.
The launch event included performances, participant reflections, and the distribution of published works, celebrating children’s voices and creativity while marking a significant achievement in the programme’s long-term vision.
The publication of these storybooks is part of a five-year Creative Writing and Illustration Programme funded by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The programme aims to nurture children’s and young people’s talents in creative writing and visual arts, leading to the publication of ten original stories created and illustrated by participants, while strengthening their confidence and providing meaningful opportunities to share their voices, experiences, and creativity with the wider community.
ACLAI Palestine Gym
The ACLAI Palestine Gym continued to promote healthy and active lifestyles through regular fitness programmes and community activities. During May 2026, 175 women and 50 men participated in the gym’s training sessions, with a total of 269 visits and 1,803 training sessions recorded.
ACLAI Palestine organized two outdoor events for male members, including a hiking trip to Battir followed by a shared breakfast, and an outdoor sports day at Lajee Center’s football field featuring fitness exercises, sports challenges, and friendly football matches. These activities provided participants with opportunities to improve their physical wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and enjoy recreational activities outside the gym environment.
