The British Consulate General in Jerusalem and the Lajee community centre inaugurated the center’s new premise at Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem. The Project that was funded by the Consulate aimed at refurbishing 3 multipurpose halls and expanding the centre in order to improve its services and activities which serve children and youth in the camp.

The project worth 7 thousand BP covered the design, building and refurbishment of three halls at the centre’s new premise. Deputy Consul General John Edwards, Projects Officer Michael Sansour and Communication Manager at the British Consulate General Fadi Adeeb attended the inauguration. On behalf of Lajee, Programs manager Salah Ajarmah and director of international relations Rich wiles participated in the event, in addition to local community representatives, families and children.

Deputy Consul General John Edwards expressed his Thanks to Lajee centre for their tremendous work in supporting children and youth in the Aida refugee camp. And extended special thanks to Salah Ajarmah and Rich Wiles for their efforts in making this possible and special thanks to the camp services committee, UNRWA and the headmasters of schools for their support and contribution and most importantly thanks to children and families in the camp.
He said: “The UK government has been active in implementing projects for Palestinian youth and children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip with special attention to refugee camps.  We are trying to help on the ground by implementing projects together with Laje’ and to provide Youth and children with the educational and social opportunities to be active and innovative in their societies. 

Youth at Aida Camp were affected by the situation due to their location near to the checkpoint, Rachel tomb, watch towers, and the wall which is just opposite to the centre.  Our political position is clear: we want to find a just solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees. I am happy to see the Centre expanding in this new building, our project helped in establishing two important facilities: the art gallery and the media centre.  We think this will have the potential to allow children to express their feelings and voice out their concerns.  It will also improve the youth media skills making them open to wider cultural dialogue and communicate their dreams and concerns to the outer world. Finally, I am very keen to see the photographs in the gallery which presents some of the work that children did in the past specially the “dreams and nightmare project” which we implemented last year with Lajee”.  

For more information on the event, call Fadi Adeeb, communication manager mob: 0547712648

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