جمعية نوى للثقافة والفنون

About Al-Zaytouna Center

The work of Al-Zaytouna Center started simultaneous with the Israeli aggression in Gaza in 2014; this required the development of an ongoing program for psychological support services for the affected children such as therapeutic arts, storytelling and motion activities. Community contributions also motivate children to create a positive change in society. In addition, there are open days conducted weekly, and they help to promote physiological resilience and to protect them from psychological issues in the future.

Al-Zaytouna Center works regularly and continuously with hundreds of children up to the age of 15, and their parents – to achieve psychosocial harmony. This is done using tools derived from Palestinian heritage and Waldorf Steiner techniques (therapeutic story, arts and motion games). The Center also offers a capacity-building program for educators and parents to enable them to respond to the affected children’s needs. Additionally, there are recreational days and trips and community environmental contributions.

The Center staff consists of a coordinator, an administrative assistant and four animators specialized in the story, arts and early education care. Each member of the team owns distinguished and creative skills that help the children in their cultural and art journey inside the Center.

Al-Zaytouna Center Services

Psychological Support Intervention activities

Storytelling is a time-honored art, and narration can be exciting and interesting. Driven by instinct, children start to look for what they need to develop their personal skills

Extended Services and Visits

The Gallery receives visits from kindergartens, schools and local institutions, and it welcomes people with disabilities and offers transportation to Deir Al Balah ‘if funds are available’.

Children Activities

The Center offers a group of cultural, educational and psychosocial services for children such as:

Parents and Educators Activities

It offers different activities, which support the role of parents because they are the first teacher for their children, including:

Al-Zaytouna Center Halls

Arts Hall

It was designed to teach all types of visual (plastic and applied) arts, and it includes a place to exhibit children’s artworks to encourage them and increase their self-confidence about their works.

Free Reading Hall

It contains a varied collection of books in Arabic and English, besides books in Braille. The Hall offers free reading, borrowing, and other services related to the Center activities.

Storytelling Hall

It offers folk and global storytelling services through various techniques, and it can be used for other activities like parents’ meetings and Oud and music teaching.

Early Childhood (Children Under Six)

It provides a secure environment for children under the age of six and their parents. It includes a special place for storytelling, puppet theater and space for assembling toys.

What Others said about NAWA

“NAWA is the place that supported and encouraged my singing talent. I feel proud when I stand on stage and sing. NAWA guided me through arts and culture; it motivated me to work on realizing my dream of being a singer one day. I remember when I came to the Association; I was shy. But now, I am totally different; I can stand on stage in front of thousands of people. I also have many friends like Saif; we participate together in activities and events.”