Diyar Board of Directors Content
Mr. Zahi Khouri (Chair) • Foreword of the Chairman 2 Mr. Jalal Odeh (Vice Chair) • Foreword of the President 4 • Dar al-Kalima University College of Arts and Culture 8 Mr. Issa Kassis (Treasurer) • Adult Education 22 Dr. Varsen Aghabekian (Secretary) • Diyar Academy for Children and Youth 26 Mr. Albert Aghazerian • Intergenerational Program 32 Dr. Bernard Sabella • Empowering the Next Generation of Creative Leaders 36 Dr. Kholoud Daibes • Nabad 52 Dr. Ghada Najjar • Religion and State 56 Mr. Khalil Nijem • Promoting Interreligious Dialogue 62 Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb (Founder and • Diyar Publisher 68 President, ex officio) • Construction Project 74 • Special Thanks 75
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 1 whose economy is 70% reliant on tourism, this has situation. Yet, DAK experienced an increase in the been a disaster and full recovery is not expected number of programs offered as well as in the number 1 FOREWORD OF THE CHAIRMAN before 2023/4. of students registering, the majority of them from the greater Bethlehem region. Dar Annadwa (ICB) that hosts public events, concerts, theater and conferences had to shut down. I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Dear Friends, These factors led to a sharp decline in income which DAK administration who managed to cut DAK costs presented an unprecedented challenge. The months by over 50%, raised extra funds to keep operations The story of Dar al-Kalima, if it had happened anywhere else in the March to May were indeed very difficult and the Board intact, and even raised some one million shekels for world, would easily be labelled a story of success. For such a story had to act quickly to introduce tough measures. three construction projects implemented during the to emerge from Palestine, despite seven wars over that period of The decision to close Dar Annadwa was not an easy lockdown: a new piazza garden, a new art gallery, time (1995-2020), is nothing short of a miracle. Who would ever one but it was inevitable because no tourists were and a new atelier for students. These projects came have thought that a vision as small as a mustard seed would grow coming and no events were allowed. Laying off eight at the right time as they not only gave DAK a major to become a magnificent tree, deeply rooted in Palestinian soil, members of staff and paying 50% of the normal renovation but also secured over 3000 working days engaging so many people, and with programs that have branches salary for the months of May to August were other for daily workers in need of employment. Thanks spread throughout the Middle East, Germany, Europe, and North painful decisions that we had to introduce. to the dedication of the DAK administration, and America? This past year of 2020 was a most unusual one and a contrary to all expectations, DAK was able to close global event. It was on March 5th that the first cases of Covid-19 were As a Board we were glad to see DAK operations 2020 with a financial surplus and no debts. As a Board discovered in Palestine, specifically in Bethlehem. This resulted in a going digital within two weeks of the outbreak of the we are committed to ensuring that DAK will continue double lockdown: a pandemic lockdown in addition to the permanent pandemic. This allowed teachers to give lectures and to be a success story and a shining star on the hills of lockdown that exists by the Israeli military occupation. The collapse seminars online and enabled them to reach over 95% Bethlehem. of the tourism industry and the months-long lockdown took their of the student body. The Board was concerned that toll on DAK operations. The flow of tourists who used to tour our the pandemic might affect the number of students Mr. Zahi Khouri facility, stay at the guesthouse and dine at our restaurant, ground to registering at the college due to the difficult financial Chair of the Board a complete halt without any prior notice. For a region like Bethlehem
2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 3 overall operational budget has grown from the initial $88 thousand in 1995 2 FOREWORD OF THE PRESIDENT to $3.5 million in 2020. In addition, within twenty-five years, 26,000 square meters of new infrastructure have been constructed. In all the construction projects, Dar al-Kalima has emphasized aesthetics, cultural heritage, and eco- friendly green buildings. The year 2020 was supposed to be a very special year for us as we were preparing to celebrate the silver jubilee of the College. It was on September 28, 1995, that we Through Dar al-Kalima College, hundreds of young Palestinians have been inaugurated Dar Annadwa in the newly renovated crypt of educated; through the civic engagement program, over 1000 young potential the Christmas Lutheran Church as a place for international future leaders have been trained; through Diyar Academy, the talents of encounter. Today, as we look back, we cannot fail to thousands of children and youth have been discovered and honed; through acknowledge the growth experienced by this ministry the Health and Wellness Center, over 35,000 people have been served; and over the years. The number of staff has grown from five cultural events have enriched the lives of over 150,000 people. Also, within in 1995 to over 100 employees in 2020. The number of this period, we have developed to become the cultural hub of Bethlehem and direct beneficiaries has expanded from less than 1000 regarded as “the most professional cultural entity in the southern part of the people in 1995 to over 60,000 per year. In twenty-five West Bank”. With the establishment of Dar al-Kalima University College of years, twenty-three international conferences have been Arts and Culture, the college became the number one address for formal, non- conducted, in addition to hundreds of local conferences formal, and vocational education in new fields such as film, jewelry, design, and thousands of workshops. Over forty books have been theater, music, and contemporary arts. This has enhanced the employability published in English and Arabic with thousands of copies of young people and provided emerging industries with qualified personnel. sold. Geographically speaking, Diyar started its work This year, the short filmThe Present that won the BAFTA Award for Best Short in Bethlehem but has developed to become a national Film and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short player active on regional and international levels. The Film, had two of our film graduates in major roles: Noor Hodaly as Production
4 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 5 Manager and Saleh Tamimi as second Assistant Director; in addition to our With all the lockdowns, the pandemic gave us something very precious: time; colleague Angie Saba as an actor. time to write and to finish the many writing projects that were waiting for just such an opportunity of quiet. Within the past year, we were able to (co)-edit We had anticipated that 2020 would be the best year in our history of 25 seven books, publish eight scholarly articles, and author a major new book years of growth and excellence. We had major plans for the celebrations of due September 1st with the title The Politics of Persecution: Middle Eastern Bethlehem as 2020 Arab Cultural Capital. Although the Covid-19 pandemic Christianity in the Age of Empire, to be published by Baylor University Press ruptured our journey and brought hardships, 2020 ended with a deep sense (list attached). of joy and accomplishment. It was in 2020 that Dar al-Kalima opened its Gaza Training Center, hiring three permanent staff members. DAK secured A third important achievement in 2020 was to finalize our strategic plan for a suitable venue for our premises in Gaza that will allow greater flexibility in 2021-2025, and also to submit a 1200 page application to the Palestinian organizing our activities. Rented in August, the building required significant Ministry of Higher Education and Research for Dar al-Kalima College to be renovation to become a functional facility capable of hosting activities but was upgraded to a University. This will allow us to offer graduate studies and to ready by October 2020. Our center in Gaza quickly became a major cultural expand the scope of our work. Our hope is to receive this accreditation in hub. Despite the difficulties, six training courses were completed in 2020 for June 2021. With the new status, a major goal will be accomplished and Dar 80 young potential artists (40 male and 40 female), some of whom enrolled on al-Kalima University will be able to achieve new heights. In the wake of the multiple courses. pandemic, the scale of the new heights that await us is clear. The climb will be difficult, the air lighter, but the view that awaits us is stunning and not to The pandemic did not deter us from finishing three construction projects: the be missed. This success story would not have been possible without a strong “Rubash Garden” that provides an outside state of the art plaza for students Board, dedicated staff, faithful friends, and abundant blessings from above. to hang out; a professional gallery that houses DAK art collections, and a student atelier that provides much-needed space for students to work on their Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb projects. Founder and President May 2021
6 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 7 practical experience originally planned for the close due to the increase in COVID-19 infections in summer term when students should join actual the country in general, but we were able to conclude Dar Al-Kalima University College tours and accompany a tour guide in the field. The all theoretical courses before Christmas 2020 and all 3 alternative module allowed each student to go to a the practical ones by January 2021. of Arts and Culture site alone, film the site, and present it in a short video to a committee for evaluation. The Ministry of Higher Finally, the Library continued its mission to help Education and Scientific Research approved this students and faculty access resources through new creative method of field training and recommended and innovative ways that will have a lasting impact it to other colleges and universities. on the quality of teaching and learning at DAK. With the transformation to e-learning, the Library Introduction Despite all the challenges, 68 students finish had to adapt and within a short period of time, was their assignments successfully and obtained their able to offer remote electronic services to students The year 2020 brought unprecedented 2019/2020 as best as possible. On March 17, DAK diplomas and BAs, including eight BA graduates in and faculty members. The Library is one of the first circumstances with the COVID-19 Pandemic, a continued its teaching electronically. The theoretical Graphic Design, the first class to graduate from this libraries in Palestine to provide services electronically new way of conducting courses through electronic courses were carried out successfully; however, all program. and remotely for its users. teaching, working on accrediting new BA programs, face-to-face needed for the practical courses as well and putting together a study to turn DAK from a as the field training courses had to be postponed In the fall of 2020, DAK resumed teaching and The following are the major highlights of each university college into a university. until the summer when it became possible to hold new and old students enrolled. The term went on program. in-person classes while adhering strictly to the according to the directives of the Ministry of Higher On March 5, Bethlehem was the first Palestinian heath protocols. Education and Scientific Research, where we applied city to come under a severe lockdown due to the a hybrid teaching methodology. All theoretical pandemic. This meant that the in-person instruction To overcome the challenges posed to the Palestinian classes were conducted online while all practical was was completely stopped, and the need for options Tour Guides Program by the coronavirus pandemic, done at campus, with precautions taken. One week was imperative to continue the academic year alternatives were introduced to substitute for the before the term ended in December 2020, we had to
8 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 9 Cultural Heritage and Tourism Studies Palestinian Tour Guides Program y Al-Makhrour – Battir Cycling Route y Clay Tourist Factory in Duheisha Refugee Camp Academic Matters Culinary Arts Program y 1. Field Trips: In the fall semester of 2020, the PTG Palestinian Cultural Village in Bethlehem The new culinary art program entitled “Culinary Art program was able to organize field trips, notably y Palestinian Traditional Village in Beit Jala and Management (CAM)” was offered in 2020 for the to the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and north of the first time as an associate diploma. The demand on West Bank. It is considered as a main achievement the program was very high. All the students have a of the program along the year. Tawjihi degree except for ones who are studying as Continuous Education. 2. Graduation Projects: In 2020 the graduates were able to conduct and present graduation projects, Activities carried out early 2020 which are the following: y In January, the new CAM students participated y Palestine Tourism – On YouTube Channel in the opening of four new hotels in Bethlehem. y Virtual Guiding of Palestine: Routes in the Holy They assisted in the preparation of the buffets Land, the West Bank including Jerusalem for the openings. y Local Beer Tasting in the Coffee Shop y In February, the CAM program hosted three y Historical Tour of Beit Sahour chefs from Italy who gave master classes in Cultural and Sustainable Tourism Program Italian pastries, pasta, and sweets. This activity y Overnight in Al-Obaydia Village came within the project ‘Specialty’ implemented y Grandma Sofia’s Guest House The BA in Cultural and Sustainable Tourism program by the Italian Cooperation. The objective of the y Conserving the Natural Resources: Tourism as a was launched in the fall 2020 term with the beginning project is to support and help in developing the Model of the academic year 2020-2021. tourism sector in Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.
10 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 11 Visual Arts between DAK’s Film Production Program and the The Bethlehem Student Film Festival (BSFF) Exchanges and Partnerships Locarno Film Festival to start sharing films with 2nd Edition y Cinefabrique: Two agreements were signed Film Production Program the festival and work on possible collaborations between DAK’s Film Production program and the in filmmaking. DAK’s Bethlehem Student Film Festival (BSFF) Cinefabrique’s school of cinema based in Lyon, Program Activities: y MED Film Festival in Italy: Bethlehem 2001, by received approximately 3000 entries for its second France. Both agreements were in coordination To deal with the challenges affecting the as a result Ibrahim Handel. edition. One hundred (100) films were chosen to with the French Consulate in Jerusalem. of the pandemic, the Film Production program be screened in the festival. However, due to the y Ajyal Film Festival in Qatar: Bethlehem 2001, by y The first agreement entails the joining of5 employed alternative means to carry out activities Covid 19 Pandemic, the BSFF was postponed until Ibrahim Handel. students from DAK to the Cine Nomad School virtually and online. The main highlights of the year a later date. where the students would be placed with were the following: y Clermont Ferrand Short Film Festival in France: Bethlehem 2001, by Ibrahim Handel. filmmaking student teams and work on their films. This project was postponed to 2022. Cinema Club y The second agreement entails the sharing of In 2020 the Cinema Club screened nine of DAK’s Cinefabrique’s teaching curriculum with DAK’s student films online. After each screening discussions Film Production program and the production with the (student) filmmakers took place regarding of films in Palestine after DAK’s film students the film making process and film language they receive training from Cinefabrique’s instructors employed in their films. Four Online Filmmaker Talks who will travel to Palestine. and Master Classes were also conducted by the Club.
Festivals and Awards y Locarno Film Festival 2020: Bethlehem 2001, by Ibrahim Handel. The film opened collaboration
12 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 13 Graphic Design, Contemporary Arts and Grants and Cooperation Activities • Re-habilitation of DAK workshops, to successfully complete his project by July 2020. Applied Arts Programs 1. The Contemporary Art program received a grant accommodate restoration labs. The other two were extended until 2021. from SIDA through A.M. Qattan Foundation/ The project continues through 2021. A series of activities, workshops, and international VAFF program. Through this grant, the following exchange programs were planned for the benefit of was achieved: 2. The Contemporary Art program at DAK was the three programs in this cluster. • A study about the status of conservation and planning to host a group of 14 students from restoration of art works in Palestine and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Lucerne, Switzerland during May 2020. y The Jewelry diploma program had a big region. They were to work with DAK students on joint challenge due to Covid-19. The program • A specialized academic track in “Paintings art projects and an exhibition in Bethlehem and was developed through the QIF project and Conservation and Restoration” under the BA Lucerne. However, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, was accredited as an integrated program in program of Contemporary Art. plans had to change. Virtual exchange replaced September 2019. Accordingly, students were • A network with professional experts who are face-to-face exchange. Meetings between the supposed to be allocated at the private sector teaching the track courses. students, and occasional guest speakers, were premises in mid-March 2020 to start their field organized. The exchange produced artworks, training and continue their education. However, which were exhibited virtually at St. Peter’s everything had to be stopped in March 2020. So, In September 2020, Samia A. Halabi Foundation and Chapel in Lucerne. During 2021, DAK will host the the program had to adjust the academic plan and DAK signed a second cycle MOU. A call for proposals virtual exhibition. offer a simulation environment of the private was publicized during October and November and sector working conditions at DAK workshops. two projects were selected as follows: 3. “Embrace your Community, Empower the Palestinian Village” Samia A. Halaby Foundation y Hanadi Azmi: The Interactive Booklet of كراسة االبداع و الفن التفاعلي Initiatives Grant: During 2019, three projects Creativity received grants. Awad Hamad, one of the y Balquees Othman: The Wheel of Freedom عجل الحرية three project recipients in 2019, was able to
14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 15 4. During 2019, DAK signed an MOU with CARE y Capacity building for two DAK staff: Mrs. Nancy and search for new methods of teaching that Academic Matters International and in September 2019 became Salsa, the head of the Cave giftshop and Paltisana, was needed to continue the execution of the 1. Students partner in the Obader project. During 2020, and Mr. Issam Awwad, project coordinator who program. The focus of 2020 was to: y In 2020 we reached the goal of having about 100 together with CARE team, DAK developed: is also a staff member at the Jewelry program y Update the course syllabi to be compatible with students enrolled in the program, distributed y A business plan for “Paltisana”, as an artisans and supervises the field training courses. the new conditions. over four years. In 2021, the program will have hub that will serve DAK’s graduates as well y Actively participated in the development of 6 y Ensure that the graduates are fully capable to its first graduate class, who shall be DAK’s as Palestinian artisans who are working with annexes to the “Quality Charter for Handicraft start their career. first ambassadors to be part of the design various handicrafts, by providing them with Industries”. The annexes are: Glass, Ceramic, development process in Palestine. y Enhance the learning process with field trips. advanced training (especially during the product Pottery, Silver, Accessories, and Embroidery. y To prepare our students for their career as well as development cycle), information about the y Strengthen the relationship between the to make sure their projects can make a difference trends in the different markets, possibility to program and the local institutions. in society, the graduation projects were market and sell their products (including at the Design Program y Set plans for the upcoming years. developed in the fall of 2020, to be executed in Cave Giftshop), and additional activities needed y The BA in Design program was launched in the the winter and summer of 2021, and all are based to assist the members of the hub to advance on the social needs and proposed on actual sites. their products and upgrade them to reach fall 2020 term with the beginning of the academic international standards. year 2020-2021. 2. General Plan and Courses Outlines y A website to promote and market the products y Interior Design Program y The courses outlines were updated to meet the of the artisans. y In 2020, and despite the pandemic, the Interior new circumstances, our instructors’ experiences, and the evaluation that DAK carries out each y Lockers at the workshops for the artisans to Design program saw an increase in first year student enrollment. By 2021, the first graduating semester. The outlines were updated to ensure keep their tools and materials, which creates a the compatibility between all courses, best convenient working space. class shall receive their BA certificates in the summer. Although there were challenges, there learning outcomes, and harmony among them. were several achievements given the flexibility
16 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 17 3. Recruiting New Instructors community issues to be solved through design 6. MOUs with Local Institutions Performing Arts y The Interior Design program followed DAK’s courses, more than virtual project, that will • Interior Design program aimed in 2020 to policy of searching for and hiring the best and make our students more sensitive about their strengthen the relationship with some local Music Program most experienced local faculty to be part of the local community, more aware of life problems, institutions: ongoing academic progress and to ensure best and more capable of adopting needed problem- _ An agreement was signed with the Cultural Performances learning practices. solving approach after graduation. Heritage Preservation Center in Bethlehem y Ismail Shamout Award: The Music program to support our students in the field of cultural y In 2020-2021 academic year new faculty y In cooperation with Bethlehem Municipality, students performed during the Ismail Shamout heritage. members were hired in various fields, to ensure students are part of the ongoing workshop Award that was held on October 27, 2020. that all program fields are covered, and to regarding designing a signage system for the Nearly all music students participated on that _ We are also drafting an agreement with ensure that the students will be exposed to city of Bethlehem. Through this project our day, performing on different instruments. The Bethlehem Municipality to form a long-term several design methodologies. This shall shape students shall be trained to understand the Minister of Culture and the Director of Konrad relationship to get our students involved in their career and make them more community- design process and design 6 tourist signs in the Adenauer Institute attended the performance. oriented designers. old city of Bethlehem. community projects and field training. 4. Community Involvement 5. Educational Field Trips 7. Future Projects y To enrich the student’s learning experience, we y It is crucial for students to be aware of local y It is the vision of the Interior Design program to are focusing on engaging them with outside project that affect the community and make be the center of the interior design profession professional community throughout several a difference in people’s lives. Therefore, we and to celebrate the excellence of this respected activities, including the following: adopted a new policy to make field trips to be career in Palestine. For that, the program worked on many levels including establishing y The design studio courses are a gate used part of the majority of our courses, as they help students to accumulate knowledge and be more a competition for excellence in interior design to expose our students to real life projects. for students. Therefore, we adopt a policy that encourages aware of similar projects that they are working teachers to propose real projects and real on, especially for design studio courses.
18 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 19 Sports Management Dar al-Kalima University College Library 8. New subscriptions were added. The total number of subscribers reached (3627). These subscribers included Sports Management Program students, faculty, and staff of Dar al-Kalima University College. Below are some of the achievements of the The BA in Sports Management was launched in the Library during the year 2020: fall 2020 term with the beginning of the academic 1. Update the Library’s computerized program, year 2020-2021. hence facilitating the transformation of all services to electronic services. 2. Subscribe to 6 magazines specialized in DAK’s programs. 3. Acquisition of valuable books, both printed and electronic. 4. Films were made available electronically on the Library page. 5. Develop the reservation rack materials electronically and provide it to faculty and students around the clock, 24/7. 6. Loan movements amounted to 1057 books and articles. 7. Number of holdings reached (10357) items.
20 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 21 y Training on Curriculum globALE took place from explored how to value traditional customs and July to December 2020 to train participants on beliefs such as reflecting on traditional Palestinian 4 Adult Education adult education in the digital context. It was based proverbs and how to write personal letters to on the initial training that started in 2019. Due develop communication. The Mujawarat took to the Covid-19 pandemic, the training sessions place from August 22 to November 22, 2020. were conducted online as face-to-face meetings were not possible. The training included six The second key activity of 2020 was an adult education modules (0-5), including an introduction module course for middle-aged and senior women to provide (0). The group was introduced to digital training, coaching for the community, primarily the elderly, The DAK Strengthening Adult Education the different platforms and tools used in online during the pandemic. The techniques and approach in Palestine project, in partnership with training and teaching, and how to apply them as of the capacity building sessions were inspired by DVV International and the Palestinian trainers in adult education and lifelong learning. a DAK program called “Celebrate Recovery” that Ministry of Education, conducted several y English language training aimed to instruct provides peer-to-peer support. A total of 14 women online training courses to adapt to the teachers on how to develop a unified curriculum participated, mainly from the Bethlehem district, Covid-19 pandemic. for English courses at different levels. The and aged between 55 and 80 years. The objectives of teachers were also introduced to appropriate this activity were to guide and empower the elderly The first main activity was a capacity techniques and methods for teaching adult to protect themselves and others during the Covid-19 building program with a team of DAK learners by classifying language proficiency into pandemic, and to learn how to support at least one trainers and partners on training needs three standard levels: Level A (Beginner), Level B other elderly person, address their fears and work for digital learning, and training tools (Intermediate) and Level C (Advanced). through them, and raise awareness about safety and and platforms. This activity included the precautionary measures. The activity took place at following aspects: y DAK also offered Mujawarat, which is coaching DAK between August 25 and September 3, 2020, for and support to local partners in developing a total of 22 contact hours. and implementing their courses. This activity
22 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 23 The third and final activity of the year was DAK digital infrastructure expansion and support with new equipment, software, and training. DAK realized that during the Covid-19 pandemic, teaching and learning would have to adopt a digital and online approach. Two weeks into the first two-month lockdown in March, DAK launched digital teaching in all theoretical subjects offered during the semester. Crash courses for instructors were offered which enabled them to conduct their courses virtually and complete the semester by the end of June. From the outset, DAK was aware that the pandemic would last for a long period of time and that it was imperative to upgrade equipment, software, and infrastructure to better serve students and beneficiaries.
24 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 25 to digital platforms when lockdowns were imposed. representing various sectors of the community, The children and youth who participated were very including the elderly and people with disabilities. 4 Diyar Academy for Children and Youth enthusiastic about the program as a means to release the tensions, stress, fears and frustrations they Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, activities were either experienced during lockdown. halted, delayed, shifted or transformed to meet the challenges posed. The ban on travel prevented mentors from traveling to Bethlehem to work with The Community Dance Project the young trainees. The following activities were conducted: The Community Dance project was also affected by The Covid-19 pandemic had a severe impact on The Theater and Dance School the pandemic. The project’s goal is to engage the the work of the Diyar Academy for Children and community through dance and performing arts, Youth as Bethlehem underwent a strict lockdown Stage Therapy thereby allowing people to express themselves and for many months from March 2020 onwards. It was engage in meaningful exchanges. The project began challenging to offer regular programming since It was a challenging year for the Theater and Dance in 2020 with the intention of partnering with local indoor gatherings, face-to-face training, and group School since in-person sessions were reduced and international mentors to coach and train six to events were not permitted. drastically due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We were eight local young people of different backgrounds able to reach out to 152 children and youth as part to become leaders of community dance, and to Despite the difficulties in carrying out our yearly of the Stage Therapy project, while adhering strictly conduct community dance projects in the Bethlehem plan and serving the many children and youth who to recommended health measures. In-person governorate. The project was divided across two consider the Academy to be their second home, we sessions were held only when permitted and with years: the first year to select the local trainees who were still able to organize some activities that made a small number of participants to ensure physical would receive instruction from international mentors y A campaign to raise awareness about the project a big difference to the lives of our members. A short distance between them during training. Many of the in performance and techniques. In the second year, and the importance of community dance in description of our highlights of 2020 is as follows: sessions were held outdoors and we also resorted a dance project was planned with participants
26 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 27 unifying people through self-expression. This equip the next generation of trainers to lead the is presented on social media networks, is written and “My Story” (Qisati) Project included the printing of 250 program booklets Theater and Dance School at the Academy. presented by Osama Awwad and Emil Mitri. and social media awareness posters. The “My Story” project was launched during the y Selection of 14 participants for the training of The program covers many topics over the course Covid-19 pandemic lockdown on Bethlehem with 10 trainers program in community dance after The Taq Taqyeh of 15 episodes, including respect for people with children. The project aimed to teach the children how undergoing a rigorous application and selection (Sam’an and Lam’an) Program disabilities, sharing with others, an introduction to to write a short story, and draw and sketch its events. process. human rights, and Christmas-themed episodes. During the first few months, most of the instruction The Taq Taqyeh (Sam’an and Lam’an) program is an was carried out via Zoom, before returning to the y Creation of an online platform to connect educational program for children where they learn The program was widely viewed, and received Academy and having individual sessions with strict with the selected participants and with the and have fun at the same time. The program, which positive interaction and engagement from both adherence to health measures. international trainers who were unable to attend children and adults. The number of views ranged in person due to the travel ban. from 10,000 to 30,000 per episode. y A less intensive training of trainers program in The stories focused on the pandemic, although some community dance than previously planned with were fictional. There were two facilitators, Osama sessions held twice a week. Christmas Spots Awwad and Dalia Murra. Osama helped the children y The initial steps to develop the dance curriculum to develop the content and learn how to write short were undertaken. During the 2020 Christmas season, 14 spots focused stories. Dalia worked with the children on how to on different topics that highlight Christmas in transform their stories into drawings, using different y Ten online dance classes were held for different Bethlehem: Christmas decorations, the message techniques and mediums. A booklet with the stories organizations and groups in the West Bank as an of Christmas, and preparing traditional Palestinian has been printed. introduction to the power of dance. sweets for Christmas. The spots were aired on the y Delivery of a training program for six young different digital platforms of Diyar and Dar al-Kalima people to become instructors in the traditional University College. dance of dabkeh. The aim of this program is to
28 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 29 Sports School of U15 Champion of Palestine, but games were Voices in Dialogue-SPORTS event organized by The 2020 highlights for the sports school are the halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. the General Consulate of Spain in Jerusalem. She following: y March 2020: The Diyar First Soccer Team spoke about the development of women’s soccer in Palestine, focusing on the Diyar women’s sport y January 2020: The sports school organized a participated in raising awareness of the club as a success story. friendly one-day tournament to further empower importance of #STAYING HOME DURING female players in clubs in Palestine. In total, 20 COVID-19 campaign. A short video was produced female participants from different soccer teams and shared on Facebook with messages from joined this activity at Dar al Kalima Sports Hall. players to the team’s fans and local community. Arts School y January 2020: Tala Abu Eid, a Diyar First Soccer y September 2020: Four members of the Diyar Team player, represented our team at a course on First Soccer Team received a scholarship from Photography Course “Promoting Gender Equality through Women’s Dar al-Kalima University College to join the Empowerment in Football in North Lebanon and newly accredited Sports Management Program. A photography course was conducted at Diyar the MENA Region” in Berlin, Germany. As well as Enrolling in this program and receiving a BA Academy from September 11 to December 4 to train to use lighting and composition in photographs. participating in a panel discussion, Tala actively degree will qualify trainers and players further, children in using their phone cameras to take good The children also acquired new skills on how to engaged with the different aspects of the course. especially women, expand sports education in photos. As part of the application and selection communicate ideas and express their feelings Palestine, and allow the introduction of new process, candidates had to send a picture taken with through their photos. y February 2020: The Under-15 Youngsters Soccer programs at the Sports School. their phones. A total of 12 children aged between 10 Team, coached by Sarab Alshaer, is the top club to 15 years enrolled in the program. A final exhibition took place with the theme “Life y October 2020: The Diyar First Soccer Team in the southern region having won against other During Quarantine in the Covid-19 Pandemic”. A total resumed their training with coach Farah Zakharia clubs in the area at the U15 Palestinian Soccer The program consisted of weekly Zoom meetings, of nine children participated in the final exhibition. while adhering to all safety procedures. Competition organized by the Palestinian with some meetings at the Academy. Artist and The exhibition booklet included two pictures taken Football Federation. The team was to continue y October 2020: The manager of the Diyar club, photographer Nadja Shkirat, a German-Palestinian by each child, a portrait photo of each participant, competing against other winning teams from Jackline Jazrawi, participated in the Women’s photographer, taught the young participants how and the title of their work and a brief description. central and northern districts for the top spot
30 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 31 calls and social media groups/communities; online ensuring that the elderly had not been forgotten. awareness-raising and educational guidance through Although only 50% of the targeted group were 6 The Intergenerational Program tutorials, meditation exercises, and information- regularly active on the online communities, this sharing videos; food provision through home- was a major achievement. Most of the elderly, delivered nutritious meals. however, still need to be digitally literate to be able to communicate with each other regularly. The results were astonishing thanks to Ajyal staff and Networks were created with six reputable, the volunteer committee made up of other seniors ecumenical organizations who provide senior who worked tirelessly to help meet the needs of care and lead other elderly programs. We many elderly people. The highlights are as follows: cooperated successfully with six organizations The year of 2020 was very challenging on a global their children emigrated abroad. Living alone and y More than 820 seniors served during the who serve some of the most vulnerable seniors in scale due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Palestine was unable to go out also made it very difficult for pandemic, mainly the provision of hot meals to the area. Involving these organizations created no exception as Palestinians even experienced these people to access essential goods, including an extremely vulnerable community made up unprecedented ecumenical cooperation in this double lockdowns because of the combination of nutritious food to keep them healthy with a strong mostly of elderly women. sector. the Israeli occupation and the pandemic. The elderly immune system. Lack of accurate information on y Eleven new audio-visuals were produced to were some of the most vulnerable Palestinians to the pandemic, particularly at the beginning, caused y Outreach efforts to serve the elderly reached new enhance awareness of the pandemic and a feel the impact. Access to already limited and dismal concern and anxiety because people were warned communities. More than 59% of the targeted healthy lifestyle. These audio-visuals provide healthcare services for the elderly was severely that this disease targets mainly older adults. elderly were new beneficiaries and many valuable, updated information for the elderly curtailed as services were directed mainly for expressed their desire to join the Ajyal Elderly in Arabic and are a unique tool for continuing coronavirus patients. In the midst of this crisis, the Ajyal Elderly Care Care Program once the situation improves. education. Program acted swiftly to ease the harsh impact on y Getting the elderly online. We were successful The ban on movement confined the elderly to their the elderly. The program aimed to meet urgent needs in shifting our regular activities to online forums y New digital platforms were established for the homes and they experienced isolation and loneliness; through three main interventions: psychosocial with the aim of minimizing the risks associated elderly in Palestine including online Facebook a significant percentage live on their own because support through regular one-to-one telephone with the pandemic, while at the same time communities and a YouTube channel. These
32 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 33 platforms serve as new spaces for the elderly y Regular monthly Zoom meetings with a specialist to be integrated and communicate with each in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia from other, thus supporting psychosocial wellbeing North Carolina, USA, took place to plan for a and agility. webinar and five days of training for caregivers and specialists who work with patients suffering Other activities of the Intergenerational Program in from these diseases. 2020 include the following: y Three short videos were produced during y A short online video produced by Ajyal members Christmas on a variety of topics that concern the in which they shared their fears and daily elderly, in cooperation with Diyar Theater. challenges during the pandemic, but also their y Christmas gifts were distributed to members hopes for better times. of the Ajyal program with an online Christmas y A total of 14 Ajyal members participated in message that encouraged them to stay hopeful a three-day capacity building workshop. The and healthy. training helped the participants to prepare for y Work started on an hour-long television episode serving other members of the community during titled “The Elderly during Corona Time” to be the pandemic by enhancing their awareness of aired in 2021. coronavirus, health protocols when interacting with others, and how best to provide psychosocial support. y A one-day workshop was organized with advisory committee members of the Program to discuss the program’s five-year strategic plan 2021-2025, and obtain their input and feedback.
34 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 35 While the program was launched in July 2019, a lot of of Covid-19 was confirmed. The authorities imposed preparatory work had to be conducted during the first a strict lockdown in Gaza that extended throughout 7 Empowering the Next Generation of few months to coordinate and establish a presence in September, followed by weekend and night curfews, Gaza. This included identifying a venue for activities, and additional restrictions on social gatherings and Creative Leaders – Gaza carrying out introductions and coordination with local community activities. organizations, and identifying potential teachers, trainers and staff in Gaza. The actual implementation Nevertheless, DAK managed to continue its of program activities started in December 2020 and endeavors in Gaza, found a venue to house its are ongoing. activities, and organized training and other events during this period. Some activities took place online In March 2020, the operational context became and others had restricted in-person attendance to complicated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A strict ensure the safety of the participants and prevent Introduction y Improve the exposure of artists by creating lockdown imposed on the West Bank and Gaza infection. This enabled the program to move forward networks and opportunities for exhibiting restricted entry to Gaza and all borders were closed, with establishing a significant DAK presence in Gaza. The Gaza program at Dar al-Kalima University College and marketing their productions locally rendering Gaza under dual blockade. Entry into Activities with children or involving international (DAK) is an initiative launched in late 2019 to explore and internationally; establish job creating Gaza was only allowed to returning citizens through coordination for exhibits were not feasible given the opportunities of providing services in Gaza given opportunities through the activation of the the Rafah crossing with Egypt and the authorities circumstances. the extreme deterioration in living conditions, and Young Artists Network created by DAK in 2020; imposed a 21-day compulsory border quarantine at lack of opportunities for young artists and talented and enhance the role of artists in community government supervised facilities before individuals This report covers all activities conducted between individuals in the Gaza Strip. initiatives created and led by them. could return to their homes in Gaza. This was to protect January and December 2020. The program aims to: y Recognize exceptional artists through local Gaza from a real humanitarian disaster if Covid-19 y Enhance the skills of young artists and talented awards. spread widely as the already fragile healthcare Gazan youth. system could not handle additional burdens. However, in August 2020, the first community case
36 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 37 Venue Rental and Rehabilitation workshops starting November 2020. There are still Activities by Objective opportunities to develop the facility but we worked The initial stage of the project began in 2019 with the within the available budget to ensure that the space Objective 1: Enhance the skills of young artists and talented Gazan youth search for a location for the DAK presence in Gaza. An could function adequately for the time being. Some appropriate location was identified for rental during young artists helped during the renovation and In 2020, six professional courses were conducted as highlighted in the table below. The courses were conducted the first month and negotiations were established have already visited the venue to help the two staff in two rounds: the first beginning in Dec 2019 until March 2020, and the second beginning in October 2020 with the owners, but unfortunately these facilities members to set up and implement various events. until December 2020. A total of 111 participants joined these courses with an equal distribution of males and were leased to another organization. The search for Some artists gifted artwork for display on the walls of females. The selection of the courses was based on a needs assessment conducted locally in Gaza. Gaza DAK and this gave them a feeling of belonging. an alternative venue continued until we identified Below are pictures of the students engaging in various sessions of the training courses. Finding and establishing an independent location for the French Cultural Institute in Gaza as a location to Round 1: December 2019 – March 2020 Courses begin offering classes while we continued the search DAK in Gaza was a significant achievement in 2020 for an independent space. Property rental costs and it has boosted our ability to host artists and were higher than anticipated and the search for a network with other organizations independently. For Duration Total Male Female location that could house a university college in Gaza young artists in particular, having a venue to meet Number of was difficult. To avoid losing time, DAK negotiated and interact freely in is a valuable asset. The venue participants an agreement to rent a room at the French Cultural also helps DAK to host activities for small grassroots 1 Photography Dec 2019 – Feb 2020 25 15 10 Institute. In July 2020, an appropriate venue for our organizations in Gaza. We anticipate greater activities was found in Gaza City and we negotiated a flexibility in implementing activities in 2021. 2 Round 1 Principles of Design Dec 2019 – Feb 2020 21 10 11 rental agreement within our budget starting in August 3 Video Art Jan- Mar 2020 12 6 6 2020. The house required considerable renovation 4 Sculpturing with Cardboard Oct- Dec 2020 15 2 13 work in addition to furnishing and equipment to host 5 Round 2 Aesthetics Oct- Dec 2020 18 10 8 courses, events, and exhibitions in the future. The 6 Art Gallery Management Oct- Dec 2020 20 12 8 renovation work was concluded by October 2020 and the Gaza DAK venue was ready to host training -online
38 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 39 Below are pictures of the students engaging in various sessions of the training courses. Round 2: October - December 2020 Courses
Round 1: December 2019 – March 2020 Courses
Note: Exhibitions for Round 2 Courses are planned in January 2021.
40 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 41 Objective 2: Improve the exposure of artists Center in Gaza on January 13, 2020 and was attended graduation project for display in an exhibition in Gaza. borders of Gaza to be displayed in an exhibition. Two by creating networks and opportunities for by more than 120 people. The name of the exhibition was “Eye on Gaza” and pieces of art by artists from Gaza were sold - the first exhibiting and marketing their productions students participated with 66 photographs capturing locally and internationally daily life in Gaza, and 33 pieces of art by design course students. The exhibition was launched by the French One of the key objectives for DAK is to showcase Consul in Gaza at the French Cultural Institute and artwork produced by young artists in Gaza. Therefore, was attended by representatives from cultural and art following every training course or other organized centers in Gaza, in addition to trainers, students, their events, DAK organizes local exhibitions to display the families, and their friends. The exhibition spanned artwork produced. The following exhibitions were three consecutive days starting March 3, 2020. For organized during 2020: some students, this was their first exhibition and they were very excited to participate and show off their work. 1. “We Shall Have Life on This Land” Photography Exhibition – January 2020 – Gaza 3. “Beautiful Palestine Exhibition” – In January 2020, DAK organized a photography October 2020 - Bethlehem time that these artists had sold their artwork. These exhibition entitled “We Shall Have Life on This opportunities for young artists create new avenues Land”. The exhibition included an award ceremony The “Beautiful Palestine” Exhibition was launched that they had not previously thought of. to honor the Gazan photographers who participated in Bethlehem on October 12, 2020 and hosted 13 “Fawaz Saleh participated in the exhibition and said in the 2019 Karimeh Abbud Award and who made artists, five of whom were from Gaza. Their artwork he had to work for a whole month to buy materials to was shipped from Gaza to Bethlehem to be displayed up about 65% of the participants. A total of 18 local 2. “Eye on Gaza” Exhibition – March 2020 – Gaza produce his painting. When his painting was sold, he in this exhibition. For some of these young artists, photographers were recognized during the event. As part of their training, students in each training was thrilled. It was his first time participating in an it was the first time that their artwork had left the The exhibition was hosted by the French Cultural course were asked to work on a project as their exhibition outside Gaza and his first sale ever.”
42 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 43 “Farida Ibrahim also participated in an exhibition Objective 3: Recognition of Excelling Artists 2020 at DAK main premises in Bethlehem. The third Karimeh Abbud Photography Award 2020 outside Gaza for the first time with a collage of prizewinner was from Gaza and to honor other newspaper on wood featuring a Palestinian woman Ismail Shamout Fine Art Award 2020 participants from Gaza who made it to the final The Karimeh Abbud Photography Award was depicted in a photo by Khalil Raad, a famous Palestinian stage, a special event was also organized at our launched in September with the theme “2020-New photographer. She was surprised that her artwork was DAK launched a call for the 2020 Ismail Shamout venue in Gaza. World Disorder” for photographers to reflect on the acquired by someone from Bethlehem and wondered if Award in January and had received 87 submissions contradictions of life during 2020. The competition this was an act of charity. It took her a while to believe from artists throughout Palestine by March 2, consisted of a photography project with three that someone had actually bought her artwork.” 2020. The theme of the competition this year was Gaza-Coronagram 2020 photos per participant. A total of 38 photographers “Beautiful Palestine”. The exhibition and award (in collaboration with the French Cultural Institute in Gaza) participated and 12, all from Gaza, made it to the final While DAK seeks to expand exposure opportunities ceremony were due to take place in April 2020, but stage. Therefore, DAK decided to hold the exhibition beyond Palestine, it was challenging this year to both the assessment of entries and the exhibition In collaboration with the French Cultural Institute and the award ceremony in our new Gaza premises in organize opportunities through networking with were delayed due to the onset of the Covid-19 in Gaza, a photography award was launched in May early February 2021. international organizations to host exhibitions for pandemic in Palestine. The first jury completed 2020 under the name Gaza-Coronagram. This invited artists from Gaza. No international exhibitions were its selection in July 2020 after choosing the top photographers to engage in the socioeconomic organized this year due to the pandemic and the 13 artists to participate in the Prize Exhibit, which changes imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and to Oxygen Video Art Festival – closure of art organizations worldwide, as well as was launched in October 2020 after receiving the capture the impact of Covid-19 on Gazans. A total March 2020 – Gaza the closure of borders and restrictions on shipping. artwork from the artists, five of whom were from of 36 photographers participated and an online DAK will continue to seek international exposure for Gaza and two from Jordan. public vote was launched in August to determine the The video art workshop produced twelve video young artists from Palestine, including Gaza, during winners of the prizes. art films that were screened on the first day of the the coming years and plans to establish a website for The second jury was invited to attend the opening of Gaza International Video Art Festival launched on exhibiting and selling art. the exhibition and to assess the final 13 artworks that A closed event was organized to distribute the prizes March 4, 2020. The first day also featured a video had qualified for the final stage. The jury concluded to winners at our premises in Gaza and the winners conference address by renowned artist Steve Sabella its assessment and announced the top three winners were invited to talk more about their work. who encouraged the efforts invested in organizing during an award ceremony held on October 27,
44 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 45 this initiative in Gaza. Sabella spoke about his art courses with the DAK Training Center in Gaza. The y Main concepts of civil society and civic In the final session of feedback and evaluation, video entitled “Great March of Return” and his new aim of the training was to promote the role of young engagement participants noted the following: upcoming projects. artists as members of civil society, and to enhance y Democracy y They had learned many concepts and information their knowledge and skills in civic engagement and that were new to them; DAK honored the participating artists with three the formulation of community initiatives. y Equity and equality prizes for the best three films based on the evaluation y The role of youth y The trainers were very knowledgeable in their fields; of the technical committee. The three winning films y Principles of advocacy were: y The commitment and engagement of 1. O2 by Mohamamd Nayef (m) y Planning community initiatives and campaigns. participants during the training was very high 2. Poker by Khaled Jarade (m) and helped to achieve the goals of the training; 3. Unknown by Jehad Jarbou’ (f) During the final four sessions of the training, participants were split into three groups and asked y The final few sessions were used to develop the to design three initiatives to tackle a local problem initiatives and this was very beneficial in allowing The second day of the Festival featured films participants to put into practice the information produced by several local and international artists. within their community. The three groups worked on designing the following initiatives: they had gained; 1. Promoting vocational training among young y The participants reiterated the importance Civic Engagement Training among women in Gaza. of carrying these initiatives forward and implementing them on the ground; Artists in Gaza 2. Preventing social stereotyping and related bullying in Gaza. y Multiple participants noted that more time is needed for such courses because the information In mid-May 2020, DAK established a partnership A total of 26 individuals (15 female and 11 male) from 3. Promoting awareness of Palestinian heritage shared was extensive. with the Dr. Haidar Abdel Shafi Center for Culture the fields of art and media participated in the 30-hour among children and youth in Gaza. and Development in Gaza to deliver training in civic training program (over 10 sessions) that covered the engagement to artists who had previously engaged in following topics:
46 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 47 Establishing the Young Artist Network y Online talks and the exchange of experiences DAK also seeks to share opportunities with young Lighthouse Child Friendly between local and international artists; artists that are available through other organizations School Environment In June 2020 DAK formed an online platform using y Development opportunities on the optimal use working in art. Through the online group, DAK WhatsApp to communicate news and events to of social media platforms to increase exposure shares notices by other organizations for exhibitions, This activity entailed painting the school wall prior young artists in Gaza. To obtain more insight about of artists and training on the use of social media internships and competitions. to the beginning of the school year to welcome the our target audience, we asked them to fill in an online tools; children with a more child-friendly environment. A form about their artistic interests. To date, 132 artists DAK organized a workshop with Shababeek Gallery total of 10 artists participated in this activity. y Marketing and pricing artwork; have signed up online and we can communicate on how to apply for the art internships on offer and directly with them through the group. y Workshops on proposal development and improve the chance of receiving an internship. concept development for artists; In July 2020, 70 members of the group met for y Developing CVs for artists and artist portfolios; DAK will continue to organize online networking the first time to get acquainted and to find out opportunities for young artists to engage with y English language for artists. more about the network. The session included renowned Palestinian and international artists. brainstorming about the needs of young artists in To respond to some of the needs identified, DAK Gaza and the challenges they face. They identified asked George Al-Ama, a renowned Palestinian art challenges of the availability of resources, the ability collector, to talk about the tools he uses in assessing to buy materials, especially among unemployed Community Activities and Initiatives and pricing artwork. young artists, lack of professional development opportunities, and limited exposure opportunities Young artists were also invited through the network As part of the artist network activities, DAK organized locally and internationally. to participate in group and community initiatives an online talk with artist Steve Sabella in September They identified the need for: led by DAK. Interested artists register for the 2020. Sabella spoke to 40 participants about his activities and join in planning and implementing y Ongoing professional development workshops 2020 productions and answered questions from the and events in various fields of fine arts and multiple activities. During 2020, young artists have performing arts; audience about his journey and philosophy as an artist. participated in the following group activities:
48 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 49 Covid-19 Anti-Bullying and What’s next? With this venue, DAK will also continue to expand Stereotyping Initiative the hosting of exhibitions for young and established The objectives of the Gaza program will remain the artists. This activity involved three activities: 1- painting a same but the activities will expand. Now the venue Given improvements in the operational environment, mural highlighting the psychological distress caused is established, we can have greater flexibility in DAK will also seek to initiate art activities for children by bullying and stereotyping; 2- a group activity on planning and organizing our activities. In 2021, in 2021 which were not possible during 2020. These Gaza beach distributing anti-bullying messages; DAK will continue to seek official registration and activities will target children under 18 in coordination 3- a video art production highlighting the distress accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education with local schools, clubs and other community- caused to individuals subjected to bullying. A total for the venue in Gaza to offer a full diploma based organizations working with children. This is of nine young artists participated in the planning and program. The accreditation process may take also intended to create short-term employment implementation of this activity. time but DAK will continue to offer professional opportunities for young artists who will help lead development opportunities for artists and training these activities with children. for young talented individuals who want to experiment with art. In 2021, DAK will start work on a website for Independence Day Activity for Artists exhibiting and marketing artwork from Palestinian Development of the venue will continue to enable us artists, including those from Gaza. DAK will also This activity was a structured recreational activity to accommodate the requirements of courses and in encourage potential coordination with international for artists on Palestinian Independence Day on 2021, DAK will install solar panels to make electricity organizations to host exhibits by Palestinian artists, November 15, organized with the Gaza Municipality, available for the college as Gaza has a poor electricity if the Covid-19 situation allows for such activities to to paint a mural in a new beach facility for the public. supply. take place. A total of 35 artists joined and participated in this activity.
50 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 51 Art Therapy Empowering Artistic Talents
8 The Beirut Outreach Arts activities are important in educational and “Nabad” means a heartbeat embedded within therapy programs for nursing and other healthcare the larger beating heart of local and regional arts professionals with growing evidence that arts have and cultural life, a vital impulse of hope amid war, a positive impact on people’s health and well-being. destruction and instability, and a driving pulsation Therefore, Nabad is supporting Meadows NGO in towards social and community transformation. organizing a series of art therapy workshops for more than 100 frontline nurses at Saint George Hospital Goals About Nabad University Medical Center Training, for social workers y Empowering Emerging and Marginalized Artistic and for young activists in Beirut to help them heal the Voices. Nabad https://nabad.art/ is an innovative program Nabad’s first phase of projects (October 2020 - May wounds inflicted by multiple crises and catastrophes that aims to empower artists, arts organizations 2021) was and is still targeting the Lebanese arts and in Lebanon (November 2020 to February 2021). y Supporting Local Art NGOS and Creative and creative enterprises in Southwestern Asia cultural community by focusing on art intervention, Enterprises. and North Africa to implement their artistic and outreach, empowerment, and content production. y Fostering Art-related Job Opportunities. cultural ideas, and market their artwork. This cross- This hybrid program that encompasses short-term y Creating Arts and Culture Content for Awareness. cultural program, based on a Palestinian-Lebanese and long-term initiatives strives to become a beacon partnership, emerged in response to the August 4, of support on a regional level in its subsequent phases, y Building Arts and Culture Networks. 2020 port explosions in Beirut, when Dar al-Kalima while pursuing its support activities in Lebanon. University decided to intervene in the field of arts and culture in Lebanon. This made sense in a context where many of Beirut’s art galleries, museums, and ateliers had been damaged, and artists had been put out of work.
52 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 53 Arleb Platform Project The Beirut Call Anthology Project The Beirut Call presents diverse perceptions and expressions that Arleb (https://arleb.org/) online gallery was launched The Beirut Call: speak to Lebanese in their homeland in February 2021 as a not-for-profit digital platform Harnessing Creativity For Change and in diaspora, but it also transcends dedicated to artists and creative enterprises in the borders of Lebanon as contributors Lebanon. It aims to empower local artists by offering The Beirut Call is a project by Dar al Kalima University address global (local-global) issues: them an opportunity to showcase and sell their College of Arts and Culture; a book on resilience and a war, peace, memory, history, identity, artwork to new global audiences. It also seeks to culture of resistance in Lebanon, featuring 20 artists, creativity, cultural resistance, raise awareness about resilience, and resistance arts poets, authors, activists, and academic testimonials, resilience, artistic activism, human and culture produced by emerging and marginalized analyses, narratives, and stories of initiatives for rights, feminism, social justice, and artists. social change. intercultural dialogue. These issues can be discussed in a range of settings The 61 emerging and established artists selected The Beirut Call brings together individuals who such as in schools and universities, arts by Arleb out of more than 180 who submitted their think, do and create to inspire and communicate and culture workshops and learning portfolios -- with over 500 artworks curated out of a diverse approaches in facing wars, crises, instability programs, youth and community potential 1000 -- provide a critical lens that educates, and despair; people who are turning to the arts and centers, women’s groups, NGOs, and provokes, and holds a mirror to Lebanese society. culture as a way to engage audiences through deep as alternative education programmes. They reflect what attracts attention in the public and emotional connections to bring about change, sphere, address social, political and environmental and who are imbuing their work with social and The book is edited by Pamela Chrabieh issues through their artwork, and demonstrate political messaging to advance the issues about and Roula Salibi, published by Dar al their power to build inclusive societies. Platform which they feel most passionate. Kalima University College of Arts and developed and managed by Nabad’s partner, sprkl.co Culture, and printed and distributed by Elyssar Press, USA.
54 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 55 ages of 19 to 35 years; therefore, women made up the majority with almost 55% participation. The number of participants was considerably higher than the original estimated target group of 60 participants. The 9 Religion and State – Middle East higher number of participants is indicative of the program’s successful strategy in establishing youth chapters and enlisting members, and also indicates the popularity and effectiveness of such forums, especially among young people.
The following is a short description of each workshop, presented in a chronological sequence: y Palestine workshop entitled The overall goal of this program is to contribute to future of the Middle East. In addition, we formed “Youth Leadership Training creating more peaceful and inclusive societies in a regional steering committee made up of five Workshop on Volunteerism the Middle East that ensure gender equality, human young people distributed across the program for Societal Change”: The dignity, justice, and freedom. Despite the tremendous countries as the coordinators and focal points of workshop was held over a two- challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were these chapters. day period with an overnight significant achievements during the reporting period stay from October 23 to of January to December 2020 as follows: 2. Organized four interfaith capacity building workshops in Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and October 24, 2020 in Bethlehem, Palestine. There were 25 1. Established CAFCAW interfaith youth chapters Lebanon. Despite the extremely difficult participants (16 women and 9 in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, with conditions due largely to the Covid-19 pandemic, men) from diverse localities in at least 15 members in each chapter, to empower these empowerment workshops were held Palestine, of different faiths, the next generation of leaders as a collective in person while ensuring strict adherence to and representing multiple regional power and to undertake the important health safety measures. There were 86 young professional and educational issues that this program deems critical for the participants: 47 women and 39 men between the
56 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 57 backgrounds. The workshop focused on bullying, especially in social media. The workshop promote pluralism. Several participants who are activists shared their initiatives with the other trainees to enhancing awareness of being a proactive session on the role of religion in reducing and inspire similar undertakings and work together on joint efforts. citizen, and of the values of gender equality and preventing cyber bullying was an animated justice, pluralism, inclusivity, and volunteerism. and vibrant discussion. The key outcomes of y Lebanon workshop entitled “Beirut Explosion: A Story of Pain and Hope”: Due to the extremely difficult The overall goal was to help young people to this workshop were the commitment made by political situation in Lebanon, aside from the pandemic, the workshop was delayed until December conceive and establish community initiatives participants to challenge cyber bullying through 5, 2020. It was a full-day activity with 24 participants: 10 females and 14 males. The participants that serve all and promote social change. As part the values of citizenship and pluralism, and a represented various academic and professional backgrounds, including journalists, lawyers, writers, of the training, the participants met with four preliminary design of online initiatives to fulfill artists, engineers, and some founders of existing and successful community their commitments. university students. The workshop initiatives to hear about their experiences, concentrated on ways to deal with challenges, and the motivation and rewards of y Egypt workshop entitled “Inclusion and crisis while remaining engaged engaging in these undertakings. Pluralism in Egypt”: The one-day workshop was civically and moving forward with held in Cairo, Egypt on November 20, 2020 with involvement in the community. y Jordan workshop entitled “Cyber Bullying 17 young participants: 9 women and 8 men. The Some of the means to turn pain and Its Impact on Citizenship”: The one-day participants were from a variety of backgrounds and helplessness into hope and workshop was held in Amman, Jordan, on and localities, and included professionals, recent active involvement were shared in October 29, 2020 with 20 young participants: graduates, students, and activists of both Muslim the different sessions, including 12 women and 8 men. Again, the participants and Christian faiths. Several young people with art, non-violent communication, represented different districts, professional disabilities also took part in the workshop. dialogue, search for common specializations, academic backgrounds, and The workshop examined the Egyptian context ground and understanding while faiths. The workshop raised awareness of how and the challenges of religious, social, and celebrating differences, and crisis to employ the values of citizenship and pluralism political inclusion. It offered tools to address and management. The workshop came in countering and challenging hate speech and challenge discrimination and exclusion, and to to an emotional conclusion with
58 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 59 live testimony by the son of Ghassan Hasrouti, 3. At least seven community initiatives have 4. Held four CAFCAW steering committee The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on in-person who was killed in the Beirut explosion on emerged so far from the training that took meetings. The first took place in January 2020 in gatherings and travel forced us to postpone our August 4, during which Elie Hasrouti spoke of place in the different program countries. These Cyprus, while the remaining three meetings were international conference entitled “Higher Education the pain but also the hope he and his family initiatives revolve around key issues that include: held on digital platforms. Towards Inclusive Societies in the Middle East and experienced through this tragedy. The venue y Palestine: two initiatives that support the North Africa” planned for the fall of 2020. of the workshop was also extraordinary as it growth of local green industries and farming. 5. Branding, visibility and communication activities was selected purposely in one of the highest Also, the launch of a website where experts and to promote the program and CAFCAW’s vision buildings in Beirut that overlooked the area specialists can offer their services and expertise and work. These activities included: where the massive August explosion occurred. on a volunteer basis. y Design of a new logo to express diversity and It was hoped that the view could act as a tool inclusiveness. for motivation and hope for participants as y Jordan: three initiatives that challenge bullying y Production of a new CAFCAW brochure in both they confront the tragedy that has befallen and harrasment of children, women and religious Arabic and English. Lebanon. groups through different forums including cyberspace and social media. y Launch of a new CAFCAW website (www.cafcaw. y Lebanon: one initiative to provide psychosocial org) in both Arabic and English during the second support for victims of the August 2020 Beirut half of the year. explosion through art activities. y Two social media pages on Facebook were y Egypt: one initiative to re-publish the works of launched or re-activated to target both Arab the Egyptian thinker Faraj Foudeh who wrote and international audiences. The first page in about citizenship and pluralism. Arabic is (https://www.facebook.com/CAFCAW. org) while the second CAFCAW Facebook page in English is (https://www.facebook.com/ CAFCAW).
60 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 61 dialogue for implementation, as a first step, in a This report presents the results of our research number of academic institutions in Lebanon, Jordan, and the first course outline draft. It is divided 10 Promoting Interreligious Dialogue and Palestine, and later in other Arab countries. into seven sections that include: an overview of the project’s background, its goals and The first phase of the project (February - December timeline; our research approach and needs 2020) consisted of: assessment methodology; a detailed account of primary and secondary data collected in the y Assessing the current needs for such a course, and three countries, followed by data analysis; the identifying the main challenges and obstacles course outline draft; a few samples of online/ facing its implementation during phase II (2021) blended and non-traditional teaching/learning by conducting research in Lebanon, Jordan, and methods; our recommendations for the next The project was designed to contribute to more arts and sciences, and also in universities’ broader Palestine; steps; and appendices. inclusive theologies in the Middle East that ensure missions and course offerings. human dignity, active citizenship, and social y Designing a course outline based on the research The research took place from February to coherence. As part of this project, we conducted The way we see it, the development of dialogue findings and previous experience; June 2020. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic research on ‘Interreligious Dialogue Curriculum in between people through the creation and y Organizing a conference and workshop for target and lockdown measures, we collected primary Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan”. A curriculum is implementation of a culture of dialogue in public and academics and administrators from these three and secondary data in targeted institutions being finalized and will be presented in a pilot course private educational institutions, is a prerequisite for countries to discuss the issue of education in in Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, and used during summer 2021. constructing inclusive mindsets within the young interreligious dialogue and to work on improving a qualitative method (content analysis) to generations, and therefore an imperative for building the course outline; analyze the data. Primary data were gathered The issue of interreligious dialogue is rarely considered inclusive societies. y Finalizing the course outline after the through direct interaction with +45 key in its didactic aspect in the Arab world, but it should conference, and identifying the next steps for administrators and academics both through be systematically included in the official curricula of With this perspective, the project aims to disseminate course development and implementation. online questionnaires and in one-on-one schools of theology/religious studies/Islamic studies/ this culture by designing a course on interreligious meetings (physical/virtual).
62 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 63 Key individuals were interviewed based on their available administrative reports and curricula on interreligious dialogue are needed in their It should be non-apologetic, non-polemic expertise in the fields of theology, religious descriptions. institutions. Even where programs have and non-preaching. It should focus on both studies, islamic studies, and humanities/ been established, there is always room for awareness of interreligious dialogue and its social sciences/cultural studies with a focus on Our research results can be summarized in the improvement and 88% agreed that education on practice. It should be co-developed by targeted education for interreligious dialogue. Individuals following points: interreligious dialogue is vital in academia. institutions (preferably on a regional level). A were also chosen according to their religious y Target administrators presented both common y According to almost 50% of the administrators, few administrators referred to the importance affiliation (Muslim, mainly Christian) and we and differing perceptions of interreligious education on interreligious dialogue through the of using online education, especially during the aimed to include at least 20-30% of women dialogue. These perceptions include multiple inclusion of a new course (or more) is possible. The Covid-19 outbreak. administrators/academics where possible. The definitions of dialogue principles, goals, forms, others cited several obstacles to implementation total number of completed questionnaires and levels. Some institutions already have such as the opposition of other academics, staff, on June 19, 2020 was 49, which exceeded the extensive and successful programs in theology religious institutions, state policies, insufficient number (40) we had aimed for at the beginning of dialogue and interreligious dialogue. Some interest from students, conservative approaches of our research. offer traditional theoretical courses while others to the study of religion(s), financial challenges, (in rare cases) offer training and/or field trips. shortage of expertise, etc. The purpose was to gather information about the The course outline we are proposing takes into y In order for such a course to be implemented, needs of target institutions, the perceptions of consideration these two points. academics/administrators, how they identify the administrators identified the following criteria: it challenges facing the design and implementation y Several reasons lie behind the absence or lack should be offered as either a mandatory (almost of interreligious dialogue curricula, and so of education about interreligious dialogue in 39%) or elective course (45.5%) depending on forth. Secondary data were collected mainly a number of institutions, ranging from lack the institution, or even as an extra-curricular from desk research of materials and studies of interest, the existence of authoritarianism, activity (such a series of seminars or workshops). with existing data, including online databases opposition from religious community It should be taught by experts in the field (official academic institutions’ websites, press institutions, etc. However, more than 52% or well-trained educators. It should include articles, peer-reviewed articles, and reports), and of these administrators stated that courses innovative content and teaching methodology.
64 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 65 In addition, many administrators stated the In that sense, we recommend the development of an undergraduate level importance of offering this course as a core course in Arabic on interreligious dialogue spearheaded by Dar al Kalima. The subject for all higher education students, and for framework and content -- partly produced in cooperation with academics of the course to be co-created by schools of religious other institutions – could be found online and therefore taught remotely or via studies with schools of arts and humanities. a blended method.
A number of administrators addressed the issue The course content could easily be updated, would be accessible to multiple of education on interreligious dialogue in schools, student audiences, and could be adapted to different learning settings via starting as early as elementary school. Education several methods of teaching, including experiential activities. Institutions not only reflects society but also influences its could conduct the course in full or include specific modules or activities in their development. As such, schools have a role to existing curricula. We recommend that the course be taught entirely with local play in the development of an intercultural/ adaptations and synchronically between institutions for an optimal learning interreligious society, and in facilitating the experience. development of the child’s intercultural and Based on our research, we believe this type of course could provide added value interreligious skills, attitudes, and values. An to different institutional profiles. We also recommend the course be mandatory intercultural education is valuable to all children whenever possible in the targeted schools of theology/religious studies/Islamic as it equips them to participate in an increasingly studies/arts and sciences, or be offered as one of the core or main electives diverse society. Curriculum reform initiatives at in any undergraduate field of study, along with other humanities courses. this level are being undertaken in Jordan. Furthermore, we recommend the development of similar graduate courses on interreligious dialogue later on or simultaneously.
66 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 67 11 Diyar Publisher 2011-2021
Towards Inclusive Societies: Middle Eastern Perspectives “2020”
Inclusive societies based on equal citizenship rights and dignity Diyar Publisher remain unfulfilled following the so-called Arab Spring. After years of turmoil, people in the Middle East seem to have opted for “state security” versus “human security”, while exclusive identities, Celebrating be they ethnic, national, or religious such as the Sunni-Shiite divide, seem to push people into monocultural settings. The book Ten Years contains eight contributions by: Najib Awad| Pamela Chrabieh| Frank Darwiche| Pieter Dronkers| Christo El Morr| David G Kibble| Anniversary Marcin Rzepka| Nadia Wardeh| Uta Zeuge-Buberl.
68 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 69 Tawfiq Canaan: An Autobiography Bethlehem: “2020” A Social History of a Palestinian Community “2020” Tawfiq Canaan: An Autobiography About this book An Autobiography gives a unique eyewitness An Autobiography gives a unique eyewitness account of historical account ofevents, historical experienced by one. Inevents, his autobiography, experienced Tawfiq Canaan by Bethlehem has a unique setting spanning a recounts a very rich life. That of a medical doctor, public figure, one. In hisintellectual, autobiography, prolific writer and a leading Palestinian Tawfiq ethnographer Canaan fertile landscape to the west and desert to the recounts ain thevery first half of richthe twentieth life. century. ThatTawfiq Canaan of tells ofa the medical socio-economic and political history of Palestine, through the unique east. Its diverse environment made it a center doctor, publicprism of hisfigure, access to different intellectual, strata in the Palestinian society, prolific which writer very few others could claim. for Baal and Adonis on the one hand, and the and a leading Palestinian ethnographer in perfect setting for desert monasteries on the Canaan’s autobiography spans a period of seven decades of the first Palestinian half history, of starting the from the latetwentieth Ottoman to the early century. Tawfiq other. Different aspects of this rich socio- Jordanian period, thus presenting a condensed history of the whole Canaan tellscountry of of Palestine.the socio-economicThrough Canaan’s words, we live the historyand of political cultural history are the focus of twelve essays history of aPalestine, whole nation, feel the tectonic through shift that took theplace in Palestine,unique as prism one empire replaced another and as the displaced Palestinians were by: Michele Bacci | Amanda Batarseh | Nicholas of his accessreplaced to by different Jewish immigrants. strata in the Palestinian Blincoe | Glenn Bowman | Nuha Khoury | Lance society, which very few others could claim. Laird | Elizabeth Marteijn | Felistin Naili |Tom Selwyn | Sawsan Shomali | Dana Sobouh | Gislen Widen.
Diyar Publisher 2020
70 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 71 Middle Eastern Women: The Double Lockdown: The Intersections of Law, Culture, Palestine under Occupation and Covid_19 and Religion “2020” “2020” This Unique booklet on the impact of Covid_19 Women in the Arab world suffer from a lack on Palestine was prompted by the need to of equality in most rights, duties and within provide an overview of the effects of Covid_19 in all areas of society, including the criminal the realms of politics, economy, health, gender, justice court, economy, healthcare, media, and religion. We are delighted to present this politics, religion, family law and civil status law. booklet with eleven contributions by prominent International reports document the systematic public figures in Palestine: gender gap that is based on discrimination, Bernard Sabella, Dalal Iriqat, Faisal Awartani, the prevalence of male traditions and unequal Hani Abu Dayyeh, Issa Kassisieh, Maher Deeb, treatment. This book investigates the role that Mitri Raheb, Randa Siniora, Saeb Erakat, Varsen intersectionality of law, culture and religion Aghabekian, Xavier Abu Eid. plays in hindering movement towards equal rights for women. The majority of the papers highlights the challenges faced by women in traditional patriarchal societies.
72 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | 73 11 Construction Project Our friends, supporters and donors who believe in what we do, and to those who contributed directly or indirectly to our Special ministries.
The pandemic did not deter us from finishing three important construction projects: The “Rubash Garden” that provides an outside state of the art plaza for students to hang out; a professional gallery that houses DAK art collections, and a student atelier that provides much-needed space for students to work on their projects. • A. M.Thanks Qattan Foundation (AMQF) to...• KAICIID • Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) • Kamynu Trust • Betlehems Venner • Kerk in Actie • Bread for the World – Protestant Development Service • Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung e.V. • Bright Stars of Bethlehem • Olof Palme International Center • Care International • Pilgrims of Ibillin • Church of Sweden • Quality Improvement Fund (QIF) - MOHE • Dar al-Kalima Förderverein • Representative Office of Germany in Ramallah, • Danish Mission Council Development Department Palestine (DMCDD) • The Evangelisches Missionwerk in Deutchland • DVV International (EMW - Association of Protestant Churches in • Erasmus+ and Conservatorio Statale di Musica Alfredo Germany) Casella - L’aquila • The Samia A. Halaby Foundation • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) • The Sternenstaub Foundation • GIZ - Ramallah • United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ • Holy Land Christians Society
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