Agriculture

We support Farmers to plant their land.

We will be supporting Palestinian communities in rural and semi-rural locations, especially those who have land under threat of confiscation due to illegal settlement building. There are many people who do not have the resources to plant the land that they own. We will provide the trees, the people will provide the land and human resources, and together this will make that area of countryside green, fertile and productive.

We will predominantly be planting olive trees and grape vines in the area south of Bethlehem, which is under the most threat of confiscation. Our olive trees are already an established tree at around 5 years old, so should produce a yield of olives after a year or so. These will be planted from December to March, the wetter months, which gives the roots chance to establish before the heat of the summer. Olives are usually harvested in October where whole communities take part in the picking, helping each other.

Although families can sell their olives and oil, there is a time-honoured tradition of gifting their own olive oil, especially to those less fortunate, as it is thought that if you have olive oil in your home, you will never go hungry.

The grapes will give a bigger financial return, with both the leaves and the grapes being able to be sold. Grapes usually give a good production after a couple of years of growth. These can be planted in the winter and are harvested in August and September.

By planting both of these crops we will be working two-fold, protecting the land from appropriation for illegal settlements, and by giving these communities an income based upon their crop and the work they put in to ensure the crops will work. Stuck for a gift for someone? Why not gift them a tree to be planted in Palestine.

Supporting Children and Young People

Through education and play.

The lived childhood experience of Palestinian children is generally one of trauma and oppression. The UN Rights of the Child provides very little protection and children and young people are subjected to daily violations. However, the wishes of parents, family, teachers and carers are to give them hope, joy, love, laughter and safety.

One Kindergarten we have developed close ties with provides schooling and support for their children so they can be given the best chance to have a healthy childhood, develop their strength and health as well as providing an education that teaches pupils about the world around them, beyond the boundaries imposed by politicians, governments and institutions.

Another education facility we have visited has adopted a fully integrated approach to schooling children, irrespective of their physical or mental health needs, in one setting. This allows all children to learn from each other, respect each other, care for each other and understand each other.

Projects In Palestine will continue to offer support to children and young people in Palestine by liaising with education and care providers to discuss how we can provide what is needed to enhance their lived experiences- such as organising day trips or activities, supplying equipment or resources, etc.