In 2016, in partnership with the Women’s Center-Rafah, the Palestinian Cultural Palace team in Gaza piloted an artistic and cultural project for youth: Homeland Moments, a Children’s Art Camp. It was overseen by specialized trainers who work in the arts including theater, performing arts and creative writing. Youth attendees created and performed art projects related to the culture, heritage and experiences of children growing up in the Gaza Strip. Through drama, folklore and choral performance, youth engaged with Palestinian history and culture from the Nakba through the present.
The project is an effort by Mohamed Baroud at the Palestinian Cultural Palace, a cultural, developmental, and social gathering place for youth, which aims to maintain the cultural heritage of Palestinians and care for all types of growth and development that will support the youth in realizing their hopes and dreams. The program targets children who have had “no role in society” and encourages them to express their feelings, to deal with negative energy and develop their skills.
Check out the videos below to see the final product! Participating youth engaged Palestinian history and culture, from the Nakba through the present, through drama, folklore, and choral performance.
Check out the video from the 2017 Production of Seeds, Land, and Spring of Peace!
We’ve received word from our partners in Gaza that the completion of the Seeds, Land, and Spring of Peace was completed successfully! On April 10th, Rachel’s Birthday, we received this note from Najah Ayash, coordinator at the Women’s Center-Rafah:
