Amid an Atmosphere of Joy, Al-Burij Society Concludes the First Phase of the “Learning and Psychosocial Recovery Units” Project with the Participation of 300 Children, Implemented in Partnership with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
Palestine - Gaza - Al-Burij
In an effort to build on what the children learned throughout the project and create beautiful memories for them and their families, helping them move away from the harsh realities of tent life and ongoing stress, Al-Burij Society For Community Rehabilition concluded the first phase of the “Learning and Psychosocial Recovery Units” project for children on Sunday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m., amid an atmosphere filled with joy and happiness.
This strategic project is implemented in active partnership with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and aims to provide safe spaces that enhance learning opportunities and offer psychosocial support to children.
The ceremony witnessed broad community and official participation, led by Mr. Hatem Salim, Chairman of the Society’s Board of Directors, along with members of the Board, the Executive Director, and the Society’s staff. Also in attendance were Mr. Ahmad Al-Sharif, Education Coordinator representing AFSC; Eng. Ayman Abdel Aziz Al-Dweik, Mayor of Al-Burij; and Dr. Fawzi Awad, Chairman of the Popular Committee for Refugees, along with committee members, as well as a number of community dignitaries, mukhtars, representatives of civil society organizations, and families of the participating children.
The celebration began with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, specifically Surah Ash-Sharh, conveying a message of reassurance and hope to those in attendance.
This was followed by an opening speech delivered by Mr. Hatem Salim, during which he reviewed the Society’s recovery journey and its efforts to resume its activities after the destruction it had sustained. He also highlighted the comprehensive services and current projects being implemented by the Society. Salim extended special thanks to the American Friends Service Committee for its continued support of the Society’s recovery and educational efforts.
In a touching segment, the children delivered a collective speech in which they expressed the values they had gained throughout the project and the new friendships they had formed. They pledged before the audience to always be builders of knowledge and the future.
The children also expressed their gratitude to their teachers, the Society’s administration, and the funding partner. The ceremony also featured poetry recitations that deeply touched the audience and reflected the profound impact of the project, highlighting how it helped move children from the painful memories of war toward new memories filled with color and life.
The celebration, which brought together 300 children, featured a variety of joyful songs and chants. Around 60 children participated in the choir segment, which received enthusiastic engagement from the audience.
The meaningful artistic performances included:
“Al-Ward Fatah” (The Flowers Bloomed):
A traditional folk performance presented by children aged 10–12 years.
“Nawyeen”:
Presented by children aged 6–9 years, this performance focused on spreading optimism, encouraging creativity, and promoting a love of life.
“Between the Lines”:
Performed by children aged 6–9 years, this segment highlighted the importance of holding firmly to knowledge and education.
“Our Values”:
Children aged 10–12 years gave an outstanding performance highlighting the importance of connecting the younger generation with core educational and social values such as honesty, cooperation, participation, trustworthiness, initiative, and cleanliness.
At the conclusion of the event, the children came together for a final segment entitled “Thank You,” which included a performance of the traditional Dahiya dance with the participation of all the children, adding a strong sense of heritage, authenticity, and joy to the celebration.
The celebration successfully achieved its most important goal, as the children’s faces reflected overwhelming happiness. Even if only for a few hours, the event helped take them away from the harsh realities of tent life, displacement, and stress and into an atmosphere filled with joy and happiness.
The first phase concluded with commemorative photographs bringing together the children, guests, and their families, documenting the end of one stage and the beginning of a new and lasting impact being created for the children of Gaza.
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