A project to improve health and well-being and develop a health culture in marginalized communities, especially in Palestinian refugee camps.

Date: 2025-10-04

Project to Improve Health and Well-being and Develop a Health Culture in Marginalized Communities, Especially in Palestinian Refugee Camps
Funding Agency: Healing Across the Divides (HATD)
Implementing Agency: Caira Organization for Community Development
Implementation Period: 3 years (starting 2025)
Project Location: Qalandia Camp (Jerusalem Governorate) and Jalazone Camp (Ramallah Governorate)

Project Objectives:
The project seeks to achieve the following main objectives:
Promoting a healthy lifestyle: by combating unhealthy habits such as malnutrition and physical inactivity.
Raising health awareness: particularly regarding chronic diseases (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) and personal health.
Empowering community members: particularly the most vulnerable groups, through productive activities that enhance their physical and mental health.

Main Project Activities:

1. Rooftop Gardening:
Training 50 direct beneficiaries in the first year (housewives, unemployed men, and people with disabilities) on home rooftop gardening techniques.
Providing agricultural supplies and seedlings to participants.
Monthly follow-up by a specialized trainer to support beneficiaries and evaluate progress.

2. Health Awareness Workshops:
Holding 24 monthly workshops throughout the year, covering vital health topics such as diabetes, blood pressure, women's health, personal hygiene, and food safety.
These workshops will be delivered by a specialized health trainer.

3. Production of a Guidebook:
Preparing and distributing a booklet summarizing key health lessons and including recipes using homegrown vegetables.

Expected Outputs (by the end of the first year):
50 direct beneficiaries will engage in regular physical activity through rooftop gardening, improving their physical and mental health.
A significant increase in participants' health awareness about chronic diseases and healthy lifestyle practices.
Local production of fresh, organic vegetables supports food security and improves eating habits.
300 indirect beneficiaries (family members of direct beneficiaries) benefit from agricultural products and health knowledge.
The project empowers local community centers (the Qalandia Women's Center in Qalandia Camp and the Child Club in Jalazone Camp) to become the nucleus for future health initiatives.

This project addresses deep-rooted community health issues through a practical and sustainable approach. It goes beyond awareness-raising to provide a practical means of improving health through productive physical activity and the provision of healthy food, contributing to building a healthier and more resilient community.