By Yasser Alhaj | Project Director
Winter in Bethlehem's refugee camp (and why we love to hear from you monthly:))
Seasons change; in the weather and the garden, however these months also see the oppression growing colder and harsher. People in Palestine are eager for relieve and change, but as there is no sign change will come from the outside, we as Karama need to continue nurture change and hope on the inside. No matter the cold and no matter how little the resources!
Between the small and unsafe streets of the camp, the children find a place to run, play and get together in the little, but well-filled, center. The books, the colors, the laughter, the hug they find in Karama can give them the support, the motivation or inspiration to get a little stronger day by day. Your donations have helped us to buy new materials for activities and cover maintenance on our buildings. Through this act, you have built together with our staff in this project, just like our volunteers are doing daily! Volunteers from the community or from far away have joined us for shorter or longer times to work next to us for the same goal of restoring dignity in our youth and women.
Like Rawan, who has been stimulating the children through time in the library and quizzes on all kinds of topics. Senan constantly engaged the kids and women in the English language during his time with Karama, while Imaan kept them always active inside and outside. With Adrian the real sportsmen have become clear among the kids whereas Ross never gave our youngest a dull moment! Karama is extremely proud and happy with the energy and support of volunteers like these, but this list could have been much longer with more and more missing names. The supporters from abroad who were denied to enter our country by the Occupation, based on their skin color, a previous stamp or their upright intentions, after hours and hours of interrogation and harsh treatment. Or the names of local volunteers, who wish they could join but struggle every day to make a living for their family and are practically unable to contribute voluntary. Missing their presence is a direct result of the occupation that keeps our lives limited in more ways than one can imagine but that will fall in the end. Stimulating this resilient attitude is a core thought in our work in Deheishe and we are glad you are being part of this!
Maybe you are preparing for Christmas, or you are reflecting on your new aims for 2015. And it could make you wonder what Karama wishes in this month of gifts, celebrations and reflection! We would appreciate it greatly if you could take time to consider supporting us with a reoccurring donation, so we can hire a social worker who needs a monthly salary.
With the current commitment from several donors we would already be able to cover about 1/3 of a salary, but we would need another 300 till 400 dollars each month to give a steady salary to a future staff member. Meaning we need only 10 people who support us with a steady 40 dollars a month! Hiring a social worker would mean a sustainable investment in the children attending our center, who would be able to benefit from regular guidance and workshops that will have more attention for they emotional and behavioral challenges than current volunteers can give.
Will you help us build our center and our services to the children of Deheishe?
Reoccurring donations can be chosen when you click the orange “DONATE” button; just change the menu below ‘frequency’ to monthly! With the support from GlobalGiving, new monthly donations will be match making your support even double efficient!!
Thank you for your support through all these seasons. Feel free to share this email with friends or family, or get in contact with us on Facebook or by sending an email to contact@karama.org
Warm wishes from the whole Karama Team!
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