Music Section
In April 2003, Karama increased its music activities with the help of a professional music teacher . The aim is to establish a Palestinian music group, Jokah , that will especially play and sing Arabic music. So far the children were given the possibility of trying different instruments in order to be later able to specialize in a single one. The instruments are all borrowed and we are in urgent need of financial aid for this project which is strongly appreciated by the children.
Mathematics Classes
The unsatisfactory education situation in Deheishe's schools leads to shortfalls in many subjects, particularly in mathematics. Most of the classes are overcrowded (45 students average), so that teachers are not able to take special care for students who cannot follow the lesson. That is why the Palestinian student Wa'el offered voluntarily mathematics assistance courses several times a week. At the moment he teaches two boys' courses, a group of young girls as well as girls attending already High-School. In special cases he gives additional private lessons.
Preventive Lessons
In cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Karama started preventive lessons in August 2003 which are held on a weekly basis. After playing games with the children, a psychologist and a teacher hold discussions with them about certain topics e.g. smoking and violence. Afterwards, the children are stimulated to deal with the topic in a creative way e.g. by drawing or painting. This project is very popular amongst the children and receives great acceptance.
In February 2003, Karama has started activities for about 30 children
by giving them English classes several times a week. These lessons
serve as a good complement to the insufficient teaching in the camp's schools. They are also a good way to distract children from the stressful situation they live in. The objective is to facilitate international contacts and provide this generation of Palestinian refugee children with better options at universities and in professional life. Our Swedish volunteer Nina Gren gave lessons for four months. After she had returned to Sweden, young Palestinians from the camp who have already good English skills took over her role.
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