Jerusalem Kindergarten Project

In the Jerusalem’s Old City, Palestinian families continue to endure a daily reality marked by entrenched poverty, restricted mobility, and systemic policies aimed at displacement. These pressures do more than challenge livelihoods—they disrupt the social fabric, erode a sense of security, and threaten the deep-rooted connection between people and their land. In Bab Hutta, one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the Old City, the obstacles to early education remain severe. High tuition fees, limited availability of safe learning spaces, and the absence of supportive infrastructure mean that many young children are left without access to preschool education. For these children, the risks are far-reaching:

• Emotional harm from growing up under constant tension

• Developmental delays due to lack of early stimulation and structured learning

• Social isolation as opportunities for healthy peer interaction diminish

Our Response: A Sanctuary for Learning and Healing
Against this backdrop, the Jerusalem Kindergarten Project continues to serve as a lifeline. We provide:

• Free, high-quality early education to ensure every child has the right to learn, regardless of their family’s economic situation.

• Psychosocial support that helps children process trauma, develop resilience, and foster self-confidence.

• A stable, safe space where children can grow emotionally, cognitively, and socially in an environment of care and respect.

For many families, the preschool is not just a school—it is a beacon of hope in an uncertain reality, a place where the seeds of possibility are planted every day.

Our impact extends beyond classroom walls. By supporting children, we strengthen families, reinforce community cohesion, and preserve the Palestinian cultural and historical presence in Jerusalem. In doing so, we resist the slow erosion of community ties and ensure that identity and heritage endure across generations.

With Your Support, We Can:

• Keep our doors open to more children in need

• Provide essential learning materials, nutritious snacks, and emotional care

• Expand our outreach to engage more families and caregivers

• Continue fostering a strong, resilient community in the Old City

As we navigate 2025, the challenges remain great, but so does our determination. Every contribution—whether through donations, advocacy, or spreading the word—keeps this vision alive.

Together, we are building a future where every child in Jerusalem can dream, learn, and belong.

 Follow our journey and share our story:
Instagram: @yecedorg
LinkedIn: Yeryüzü Çocuklar Dernegi – YEÇED