Beneficiaries
Children
NAWA for Culture and Arts Association works with children of both genders, under the age of six (early childhood), between the ages of 7 and 15, and people with disabilities as the major targeted groups for the Association. They represent a large percentage of the Palestinian society, and NAWA provides cultural, educational, art and psychosocial activities in its six centers in Deir Al Balah.
Reading, writing and creativity: storytelling (folk, global and therapeutic stories), free reading, borrowing, creative writing, book club, scientific research courses that promote the child’s culture of information and thinking skills, and campaigns to boost reading in association with institutions working with children in the Gaza Strip.
Visual (plastic and applied) and nonvisual arts and sound arts: drawing and photography, designing, Arabic calligraphy, sculpture, pottery and embroidery, puppet making, creative writing, poetry, acting and theater, drama and story, songs and choirs, Dabkah and dancing shows and clown shows.
Formal Education: offer early childhood services in Al Hekayat Kindergarten and support teaching children science in NAWA Gallery.
Non-formal education: support the school curriculum (mathematics – science – Arabic language) through utilizing the story, arts, games and producing educational tools, besides supportive education activities in schools.
Entertainment/Recreation: festivals, open days and trips.
Teenagers and Youth
NAWA believes in the essential role of teenagers (15-17 years) and youth who are above 18 in creating a positive change in society. Using its expertise, NAWA offers cultural, art, educational and psychosocial empowerment to teenagers and youth from both genders, including the people with disabilities.
• Reading, writing and creativity: storytelling, free reading, borrowing, creative writing, scientific research courses that promote the culture of information and thinking skills, cultural evenings and workshops about life skills (communication and outreach skills).
• Visual (plastic and applied) and nonvisual arts and sound arts: drawing and photography, designing, Arabic calligraphy, sculpture, pottery and embroidery, puppet making, creative writing, poetry, acting and theater, drama and story, songs and choirs, Dabkah and dancing shows and clown shows.
• Preserving the tangible and intangible (oral) cultural heritage of Deir Al Balah: training courses in archiving and preserving heritage, youth evenings and supporting youth initiatives to encourage heritage.
Parents
NAWA works with parents (legitimate biological father and mother; the word does not mean the grandfather or grandmother, but it might include foster parents) to enable them and promote their role in developing and raising their children.
• Training courses and awareness workshops about early childhood, active learning methods and educational tools production.
• ‘Family Culture’ Program to identify the parents’ needs in the child’s development and growth.
• Joint cultural, educational, art and psychosocial activities with the children such as recreational and educational trips, open days, cultural evenings and psychological support sessions.
Educators
An educator is a person who is trained to teach or work with children e.g. the animators. NAWA works with educators from both genders to strengthen their leadership skills and create positive changes in society.