Activity 1: House painting
Due to the structuring of the camps, many of the housing blocks and streets in the camps do not receive much, or any, sunlight. Research suggests that regular exposure to sunlight is essential for mental well being. Lack of light in the camps as well as the cramped living conditions has led to various psychosocial issues affecting the emotional, mental, spiritual and social well-being of the refugees within the camps. This activity aims to address these issues but more importantly it also aims to reduce disparity between Palestinians and the local Lebanese community. Scouts of Lebanon have offered to volunteer to paint the exterior of the housing blocks. By participating in this activity together with the young Palestinian refugees living in the camps we aim to foster further understanding between the two communities.
Activity 2: Building a playground
Palestinian camps lack space where children can play safely. Children are limited to using the streets and alleyways as their play areas that are neither safe nor adequate. We aim to clear a small area in each camp that we will turn into a playground. The playground will be equipped swings, seesaws and other portable equipments that can easily be moved and stored. This activity will benefit children between the age of three and ten, a vulnerable group in society, and aims to enhance their development.
Activity 3: “Just Be Yourself” Recycling clothes workshop
This workshop led by Beatrice Harb, aims to provide a group of young women (age 22 to 30) with skills to design and create their own unique fashion pieces. By using second-hand materials, such as old clothes and garments, they will gain an understanding of creating through recycling. Through this activity, we aim to establish a few ‘advocates’ from the group and equip them with the skills necessary to continue the workshops. We also aim to facilitate the participants to showcase their fashion show outside of the camps. This will give the vulnerable young women a sense of self-confidence and acknowledgement as well as further interacting with the Lebanese society.
Intended impact of the activities
We believe we can achieve a very positive impact on the Palestinian youth through implementing the activities above. Together we can help vulnerable Palestinian youth to break negative life cycles and better prepare them for higher-level education, employment, and greater success in life.
