Something about children in Palestine from my first visit here… we have met a number of adults who have said they are worried about their kids – many young people feel there is no future for them and no-one cares about what is happening to them and this could lead them to be careless of their own safety.
This morning, we spoke with Dr Abdelfatteh at the Alrowwad Centre about “Beautiful Resistance,” which strives to empower children and women through creative and non-violent means. He told us of a girl, aged around eight years old, who, when asked what they want to do/be when they grow up said “I want to be dead”. If children and young people feel they have no hope, no future and no-one cares, what can we expect?
This afternoon, we spent time with children at the Alrowwad centre, sharing songs, music and games. It was clear that the philosophy of this organisation to help children develop ‘beautiful resistance’ through art, music and dance is a way to counteract some of what they live with, as refugees in their own country, under occupation. In the UK we talk a lot in children’s services about the importance of building resilience in children. Also – we have been befriended by children from across the road who are by turns endearing and irritating in their enthusiasm for repeatedly asking our names and how old we all are. They have been so enthusiastic in joining our singing and games practice. I wish with all my heart for a better future for them.
