Child Centre - Gaza (CCG)

2020 brought on  unprecedented challenges to the Qattan Child Centre in Gaza. Whereas in previous years the key and persistent challenge was catering for the huge influx of children, this year the centre had to cut down on face-to-face workshops and activities, and even had to close its doors completely during lockdowns as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. This obliged the Child Centre to resort to creative work methodologies that required also an upgrade in skills and work methods of its team members. The Centre’s team also seized this opportunity to examine the effectiveness of new interventions proposed in the restructuring process; especially the execution of cumulative Programmes that target specific groups during peak periods (such as winter and summer vacations). In the digital roam, and despite the (global) initial confusion, the Child Centre managed to effectively utilise its extensive networks and relationships, as well as build on its beneficiaries’ trust in its services to reach out and expand its geographical footprint, especially to those from remote areas such as Rafah and Khan Yunis.

During the reporting period, and in accordance to COVID-19 conditions, the Child Centre carried out a number of interventions to attract large audiences in different work contexts. This included participating in technological and scientific events; organizing artistic and scientific exhibitions; providing different channels of information; and using the Foundation’s media platforms to provide updated media contents for the public.

The Child Centre in Gaza provided its services both in a face-to-face and online format. This was necessary to meet the various needs of beneficiaries and developing the three major competencies the QCC focuses on, which are: i) acquiring vital knowledge; ii) gaining effective skills; and iii) adopting orientations that enhance culture, openness, and active participation. Within the “Performing Arts” component, the Child Centre executed a number of Programmes and courses that engage participants in experiences which combine reality with imagination. Moreover, the young members of different clubs, such as the theatre, drama, and chess clubs; performing arts groups; and the Qattan Choir, took part in several events and performances organized by the Child Centre.. This included the online sharing of a play titled “In the Shadow of the Ceasar” and video clip of the song: “Fly, Love” (Teer Ya Hawa). Palestinian Dabkeh and song performances were also shared within this framework, such as the popular “Dala’ona” and “Meely Bi’abaitek” songs.

The Child Centre in Gaza held various courses and programmes that enhanced the capabilities of children in the field of visual arts. For example, several sessions were held at the Little Painter’s Club, leading to the production of numerous artistic works that were displayed to the public in three exhibitions (both online and face-to-face). These exhibitions were as follows: “Eyes of Gaza”, “Art Plate from Home”, and “A Bigger Imagination”. Moreover, an art contest called “Your Window is Our Window” was held throughout Palestine during the COVID-19 lockdown

During the reporting period, the Child Centre implemented a number of programmes and activities to develop children’s technological and creative skills. This included the robot engineers, motion graphics, and smart electronics programmes. Training also continued in the designers’ and programmers’ clubs to develop children’s programming and design capabilities, such as using the “Arduino” electronic boards and connecting sensors and other electronic parts. Children’s knowledge was also enhanced vis-à-vis the systematic cycle of inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback. Hence, the trainees developed their skills in designing and implementing integrated electronic programmes. Also, within the framework of Qattan’s Designers Club, children received training on different programmes related to the Adobe software package.

Within the Science component, the Child Centre implemented a number of relevant programmes and courses to enhance the participants’ knowledge, as well as equipping them with self-learning tools, scientific research capabilities, and problem-solving skills. Good examples of this include the “Design Your Scientific Project”; “Electric Energy Physics”; “Basic Science”; and “Fab Lab” programmes for persons with hearing disabilities. It is also worth noting that the youth of the Science Club also worked on completing the respective projects while being on quarantine.

In order to prevent the centralisation of services, the Child Centre expanded its interventions within the Outreach Services Programme during the reporting period. This included strengthening the Centre’s access to young boys and girls in marginalized areas. In this context, the Child Centre implemented several reading and artistic activities conducted directly with children in friendly areas. The Centre also held 18 courses on various artistic and literary topics, thus boosting the reading and artistic capabilities of attendees. These activities and courses enhanced their equal learning opportunity, in a manner that corresponds with what is held inside the Centre’s venue.

During the reporting period, the Child Centre worked with several grassroots organizations, schools, and kindergartens through Mobile Library interventions, funded projects, and friendly area projects. Moreover, the Child Centre’s partnership with Edward Said National Conservatory of Music continued through the execution of the “Learn to Play the Violin” programme, which targeted 11 young female members of the Centre’s choir. The [Qattan] Child Centre also succeeded in networking with Ibn Rushd Association in Berlin to organize the “Eyes of Gaza” exhibition attended by youth and families who enjoy visual arts.

“My Window is Your Window” contest and the “Virtual Gallery” - which were organized by the Child Centre during the reporting period - strengthened the popularity of A.M. Qattan Foundation among the public. These events were held on social media and provided easy access to the Foundation’s artistic productions. The Foundation also provided adequate spaces for the public to express their thoughts and viewpoints and contribute to different activities. Furthermore, the Qattan Choir video titled “Fly, Love” (Teer Ya Hawa) contributed to reaching out to much wider audiences.

During the reporting period, A.M. Qattan Foundation signed two agreements for the benefit of the Child Centre in Gaza. The first agreement was related to implementing a project for enhancing early childhood education in the Gaza Strip in cooperation with Welfare Association, with a budget of 120,000 USD. Meanwhile, the second agreement was related to implementing the “Explore, Learn and Enjoy” project in partnership with the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), with a budget of 55,000 USD.