WHO WE ARE

“It is important to continue the struggle despite frustrations and disappointment based on an ultimate faith in the triumph of justice.” Richard Falk

THE CULTURE AND FREE THOUGHT ASSOCIATION (CFTA) is one of the largest and most active networks of human rights organization in the Gaza Strip. Founded in 1991 as an independent, non-governmental development organization which also provides humanitarian assistance in emergency situations.  For more than 30 years, CFTA has worked in the Gaza Strip's middle and southern areas to provide safe, supportive, interactive spaces and opportunities for members of our community in order to gain knowledge, enhance skills, exchange, experience new ideas and to connect members of the society together.

OUR HISTORY

The CFTA came out as a result of discussions between five Palestinian women activists. The discussions began more than two decades ago, in the third year of the First Intifada, which began in December 1987. The violence of Israeli occupation forces began to have an effect on children's behaviour, academic achievement, and psychological well-being. Despite the incredibly difficult circumstances, the five women wondered how it was possible to protect Palestinian children and assist them in learning, growing, and thriving in a healthy environment.

The women wanted to create a safe, caring environment for children, where they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow. The first CFTA center, Al Shruq Wal Amal (Sunrise and Hope), was established in 1991 as a result of this simple concept and a significant amount of enthusiastic and shared dedication to its implementation.

CFTA TODAY

Today, nearly 30 years after its establishment, CFTA's programs have grown in ways we could never have predicted. We began with one and have since grown to five community centers that provide cultural, educational, health, and well-being services to Palestinian individuals and communities. CFTA is the only major Palestinian NGO in the southern Gaza Strip that works directly with children aged 6 to 12, at our two children's centers. (Al Shruq Wal Amal Center in Khan Younis Refugee Camp and Al Nowwar Educational Center in Khan Younis' Baten Essamien neighborhood).  

In addition, we have a center for adolescents, Bunat AlGhad (Builders of the Future), CFTA's Cultural Center in Al-Amal neighborhood of Khan Younis, and a Women's Health Center in Bureij Refugee Camp.

CFTA’s annual budget averages roughly $1.6 million.

Where We Work

CFTA is based in the southern area of the Gaza Strip, Khan Younis, therefore, CFTA serves the southern communities of the Gaza Strip. We have expanded our health services to the middle area with our Women Health Center based in the middle area of the Gaza Strip.  

Why The Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip faces a chronic humanitarian crisis, impacting the livelihoods and access to essential services by its two million residents. This crisis has been driven by a longstanding Israeli blockade and exacerbated by recurrent Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip. Education, electricity, economy, child protection, food security, clean water, health and hygiene are all in deteriorating situation in Gaza.

Our Target Groups

How we work – our core values

CFTA is committed, through the fulfilment of its vision and mission, to the following core values:

CFTA Structure

Our Partners