Background See More

The first of the Culture and Free Thought Association’s community centers, Al-Shruq Wal Amal Center was established in 1991 in Khan Younis Refugee Camp. The Center runs educational, recreational, and cultural programs for boys and girls between 6 and 12 years of age living in Khan Younis Refugee Camp in particular and in the governorate more generally.  Each year around 8,200 children (40% girls) have benefited from the center activities – some 200 attend activities daily at the Center and an additional 8,000 participate in the Center’s community outreach activities. Open from 8 am till 3 pm five days a week, the center hosts a library, ongoing programs in fine arts; games and sport; music, theater and Dabkah (traditional Palestinian folkdance); computer; gardeni ...

Activities See More

One of the Center's most lively spaces at the Center is the Library, where a collection of educational, recreational books, stories, magazines, videos, and cassettes is available. The Library organizes different activities including: “ Innovators on the Road," cultural programs, TV shows, educational dialogue sessions, and workshops on children’s rights.The fine arts program offers children technical skills in drawing, textile and paper printing, sculpture, murals, and handicrafts. Public exhibitions and shows are regularly organized to celebrate children’s artistic achievements. Open days for drawing are also organized in the community in collaboration with neighborhood committees, particularly in marginalized areas.Other regular programs include indoor ...