Jeel al-Amal, 2013
A team of three women, Panna, Clemmie and Rebecca went to Jeel this summer working with the boys.
‘Every day in Jeel is different, adding to the excitement of the project here. However, regardless of whether we were doing a craft with the boys, taking them on swimming trips, playing table tennis with them or simply reading them a story, every activity added to the increasing connection we made with them,’ says Rebecca. One of the many trips made was to Jerusalem zoo, which provided a theme for crafts and activities in the days following, with animal masks and stickers proving particularly popular. In the final week, the team threw a party for the children, where some of the many photos they had taken of them during the first few weeks were displayed. A banner had been made with some of these photos, and it now sits in the main courtyard alongside two other banners the pupils had made. |
Panna, who has been to Jeel for several summers says: ‘I had another amazing summer at Jeel with these great boys that I have had the greatest pleasure of watching grow for the past five years. Yes, there are always new little ones coming and others going, but it is so nice just to see how they change and grow up a little more every year.’
Panna also noted many changes in the school. A lot of building work has taken place and there are plans for more, which will help the school and, in turn, the children. |
The team was able to take the boys on a visit to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Panna explains: ‘I experienced this wonderful building with the boys and that made it so much more special and overwhelming for me. The boys were teaching me and telling me about the mosque and its history and sitting reading to me. It was just a lovely and such a humbling experience.’ The day finished with a walk along the City wall and a game of football overlooking the Mount of Olives.
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