ACLAI Palestine Gym
October was a busy month for Aclai-Palestine, with significant growth in participation and training initiatives. The program welcomed 12 new female participants, bringing the total number to 160 women and over 100 men. On October 5th, the team conducted gym assessments for female participants to evaluate their exercise levels and goals, which allowed the coaches to design personalized training programs suited to each participant’s abilities. On October 6th, a coaches’ workshop was held to introduce proper exercise techniques and coaching strategies, focusing on body posture and safe training practices. Throughout the month, the program ran 326 sessions, with a total attendance of 2,299, reflecting the strong commitment and engagement of participants.
Rebel Circus School
The Rebel Circus School continued to develop the skills of children and youth across all age groups. This month, a visiting coach led training sessions for all groups, which will continue for the next three months. Kindergarten students participated in three weekly sessions, learning the basics of circus arts, while the four main groups, totaling 40 students, practiced regularly to develop coordination, creativity, and teamwork. The program maintained a lively and interactive environment, combining physical activity with play and performance skills.
Lajee Celtic Football Club & Academy
In October, Lajee Celtic focused on structured training and competitive matches. The academy divided participants into age-based groups, with younger children training twice a week and youth groups practicing regularly. The first team played three competitive matches at Al-Khader International Stadium, drawing against Al-Duha (2–2) and Wadi Al-Nis (1–1), and narrowly losing to Al-Obeidiya (1–2). The youth team participated in two friendly matches to gain experience on full-size international fields. To prepare younger players for future matches, the academy coordinated joint activities with Mamoun Al-Khatib Academy and Creativity and Excellence Academy, providing early exposure to competitive play.
Environmental Unit
The Environmental Unit advanced its work in urban agriculture and sustainable food production throughout October. On the rooftop of the Lajee Center, the first Dutch Bucket hydroponic system was installed, fully set up, and prepared for planting. Staff monitored plants, pruned tomatoes in the second greenhouse, and added fertilizer and iron to crops as needed. Seedlings of parsley, lettuce, basil, and mustard were cultivated continuously and placed in the greenhouse for young plants. Automated watering systems with timers were installed to ensure consistent irrigation.
The unit worked closely with volunteers and community members, planting parsley and lettuce in patients’ homes in Al-Azza Camp and transferring necessary tools for gardening. Trees were planted in the center’s garden, and cucumbers were grown with the Environmental Club, engaging both youth and elderly participants in planting activities in the renovated greenhouse system. Seedlings, fertilizers, and harvested produce were distributed to patients, and 7 kilograms of tomatoes were provided in an organized manner. Trellises were installed for cucumber plants, and previously distributed hydroponic towers were reactivated for patient use.
Children from Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten also participated in agricultural activities such as planting microgreens, potted lettuce, and green onions, learning about plant growth, water and light requirements, and nutrition. These initiatives reinforced environmental awareness, hands-on learning, and healthy eating habits for participants of all ages.
Health Unit
The Health Unit delivered extensive medical services and health education in October. Health workers conducted 223 home visits to 173 patients with diabetes and hypertension, including visits with doctors, monitoring their conditions, and onboarding new patients. Patient data was recorded in the KOBO system to ensure proper follow-up.
The 12th free Medical Day welcomed over 200 participants, offering consultations in orthopedics, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and internal medicine. Students from local universities assisted with health awareness activities, educating participants about diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal health, and proper posture. Dunya Women’s Cancer Center delivered a breast cancer awareness lecture for women, and free medications were distributed to support families with economic challenges:
Additionally, the unit organized a first aid training for eight staff members of Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten, teaching them how to handle wounds, fractures, seizures, choking, and tear gas exposure.
Collaboration with the 1for3 medical team included home visits and rooftop garden assessments, linking agricultural activities with health awareness and patient care.
Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten
October was full of hands-on learning and interactive activities at Zahrat Al-Yasmeen Kindergarten. Children planted mustard seeds and participated in a microgreens project, learning about plant growth, care, and nutrition. They also explored healthy eating and the five senses, identifying vegetables through sight, touch, smell, and taste, and then preparing a salad together, combining practical learning with fun and teamwork.
The kindergarten celebrated Palestinian Heritage Day as part of the olive harvest season. Children dressed in traditional Palestinian clothing, participated in olive picking, played traditional games, performed music, created artwork, enjoyed storytelling sessions, and shared a communal Palestinian breakfast. This special day reinforced cultural identity, pride, and connection to Palestinian heritage.
Lajee Library
The library hosted activities for children aged 5–12, blending creativity, learning, and cultural education. Participants engaged in movement exercises and watercolor painting, expressing emotions and ideas through art.
Cultural heritage activities introduced Palestinian folk dance, traditional clothing, embroidery, olive trees, maps, and family heritage, while children enjoyed coloring, crafting, and storytelling activities that deepened their understanding of Palestinian culture.
Lajee Music Institute
The Music Institute continued to develop musical skills across multiple instruments and group programs. The qanun, violin, oud, and percussion lessons welcomed new students and maintained regular training sessions. Choir sessions engaged children in group singing, and music theory lessons were organized according to skill level, ensuring students continued to develop both practical and theoretical knowledge.
Women’s Unit
The Women’s Unit offered multiple programs to support, empower, and train women. Monthly therapeutic sessions allowed participants to express themselves, release emotions, and strengthen social connections in a supportive environment. The unit conducted two sessions of the Tahrira Qasab embroidery course, teaching traditional Palestinian Thobe embroidery while promoting collaborative learning. Daily embroidery workshops gave women the opportunity to develop their skills consistently. This month, participants produced 165 wallets and 80 bookmarks, combining craftsmanship with cultural heritage preservation.
Lajee Playground
The Lajee Playground highlighted community engagement and innovative design. Architecture students from Palestinian universities and the U.S. presented 15 proposals for the garden redesign competition. Two winning designs were selected: Archicats, which transforms a former water reservoir into a community garden where families can grow herbs and vegetables, and Tatriz Teta, which incorporates covered artistic spaces inspired by Palestinian embroidery, blending culture and design. Community consultations ensured the designs met residents’ needs for a safe, open, and welcoming space. Renovation work is underway to bring these visions to life.
Media Unit
Lajee Media Club students participated in a practical photography training with 1for3, combining theory and hands-on experience. They began with a presentation showcasing photos taken over the past weeks, focusing on motion photography and long exposure techniques.
Participants then conducted a field photography session around the center, experimenting with different cameras and shooting styles. This training is part of the club’s ongoing program to develop youth photography skills and enhance creative visual storytelling.
Falastiniyat Cooperative and Medical Clinic Opening
Lajee Center officially opened the “Falastiniyat” Cooperative and the Medical Clinic this month, with the participation of staff, local women, and community representatives.
The cooperative provides a kitchen and handicraft workshop, offering women opportunities for economic and social empowerment through traditional crafts and cooking skills. The Medical Clinic will offer specialized healthcare services to residents of Aida and Al-Azza camps, following a scheduled rotation of doctors.
This initiative reflects Lajee Center’s commitment to supporting the community and promoting health, economic independence, and social well-being:
