Giving adolescents a better chance

In the West Bank the opportunity to play sports helps young people learn to work in teams and settle disputes more amicably.

Sameh Sei'id is 14, but until recently, he was not able to read — or even write his own name. Today, he and 15,000 other adolescents can read and write, thanks to CIDA's contribution to UNICEF's Adolescent Learning Spaces project in Hebron. He is getting ready to start math classes.

The project helps disadvantaged Palestinian youth in an extremely stressful and turbulent environment. They have access to a safe area, free of the violence and poverty that surrounds them. They improve their literacy and information technology skills, learn music, and play sports. Project organizers report that they are becoming constructive members of their community, able to express themselves without resorting to violence.