Summer Games

Timeframe: June 2008-August 2008, June 2009-August 2009
Location: Gaza Strip
Donor/s: UNRWA

The Summer Games provide a safe and fun environment for children. They are a direct response to addressing the psychosocial needs of children in Gaza by providing children with the opportunity to move out of their daily routine and engage in fun, entertaining and educational activities. Sharek has been supporting the delivery of summer games in cooperation with UNRWA and other community based organizations since 2006. Building on the success of these camps in 2008-2009 Sharek will be a key contributor to the 2010 Summer Games.

Summer Games were delivered in 25 locations in 5 governorates providing activities such as visual arts, aerobics, water games and swimming. The human resource demands were high, requiring 68 staff and 1,000 volunteers to implement the project. In order to deliver the camps, training was provided to volunteers in active learning, education, philosophy, safety, supervision and management skills.

Project Fact Box

• Provided throughout 5 governorates in 25 locations

• 31,315 (2008) and 36,892 (2009) children benefited

• Camps provided with the commitment of over 1,000 volunteers

• 450 hours of training provided to volunteers

Happiness for children: rewards for volunteers

13 year old Amjad Abu Hmaida took part in the summer games in 2009. He is from Yebna and is so clever and full of determination to try new things. Amjad needed special support to help him engage in the games because he cannot hear or speak. A volunteer who knew sign language assisted Amjad and supported him to take part in all the activities and games. Volunteers were touched with his satisfaction and happiness for participating in the project.