“Summer Camp and More...” at
Yafa Cultural Center
Balata Refugee Camp, Nablus Palestine
August 2024 -2027
Hello!
Welcome to Balta Refugee Camp est. 1950
01.
About Balata Refugee Camp
Nablus, Palestine
About Balata
Refugee Camp
Balata Refugee Camp, located near Nablus in the West Bank, is one of Palestine's oldest and largest camps, established in 1950 by UNRWA following the 1948 Nekba, which displaced thousands of Palestinians. Originally temporary, it has grown significantly, developing infrastructure and still faces socio-economic challenges like overcrowding, poverty, and unemployment of over 60%. Despite hardships, the camp's residents exhibit strong cultural resilience and community solidarity, maintaining their commitment to the right of return and ongoing journey for justice and self-determination.
02.
About Yafa Cultural Center
Balata Refugee Camp
about ycc
The Yafa Cultural Center, located in the Balata Refugee Camp near Nablus in the West Bank, serves as a vibrant hub for cultural preservation and community development.
Established to support Palestinian identity and heritage, the center offers a wide range of educational, cultural, and recreational programs for all ages. It provides resources and opportunities for personal growth, artistic expression, and social engagement, fostering a sense of resilience and solidarity among camp residents.
Through its initiatives, the Yafa Cultural Center plays a crucial role in empowering the community and promoting the rights and aspirations of Palestinian refugees.
“Just keep moving forward.”
ycc mission
YCC works to improve the cultural and intellectual condition of Palestinians by providing them with a space to develop their talents and skills and to enrich their awareness of their national rights through civic education particularly on democracy and human rights.
ycc Vision
Vision a free Palestine society that promotes freedoms and respects rights. The message of Yafa Cultural Center sees to enhance the freedoms and respect for the rights through developing intellectual, cultural and social capabilities in all ways.
ycc objective
- Increasing knowledge and awareness among various.
- Developing intellectual, scientific, cultural and creative capabilities of youth, children and women.
- Empowering youth economically and socially
- Consolidating networking and communication locally and interantionally.
03.
about ibrahim jamal
at Yafa Cultural Center
“I believe in Yafa Cultural Center, because as a child, I am YCC!” -Ibrahim Jamal
Little Ibrahim
I work for an organization I needed as a child.
Ibrahim jamal
Born in October, 1985, in Nablus, “I am a dedicated community development and cultural initiatives professional.” With a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy, gender integration, and drama, “I have a robust career focused on empowering and educating Palestinian communities.”
My diverse skills include managing institutions, facilitating workshops, and lecturing in UNRWA and government schools, help students feel safe. Actively involved in numerous organizations, “I have coordinated various operational, training, and cultural projects with local and international institutions.” In my humble leadership; patience, and dedication to my community are evident through my participation in many conferences and workshops, continually inspiring and supporting the resilience of the Palestinian community.
“TODAY...The kids need a new kind of support”
-Ibrahim jamal
Problem
Classrooms in Palestine the (as well as many other parts of the world) are suffering from decreased attention span which leads to over 1/2 class devoted to classroom management.
Solution
When teachers and students learn some of the skills, concepts and perspectives that comes with stand up comedy and all the services we’ll be providing in the camp, students can improve in their performance regularly in the new academic school year!
04.
“The kids need a summer camp!”
-Ibrahim Jamal
YCC PIONEERS
NEW SUMMER CAMP IDEA
2024 - 2027
In March, while working at the Yafa Cultural Center, Ibrahim Jamal envisioned an innovative summer camp to address the needs of children in the Balata Refugee Camp. Understanding the dangers that idle summers can pose,
Ibrahim reached out to Mona Aburmishan and Mohammed "Karam" Karajat to develop a safe and engaging camp for children aged 5-17. During the Nakba anniversary, Mona and Karam visited YCC to understand the students' experiences. The meeting was a success, with children enjoying the activities and eagerly anticipating a summer camp that would combine media production, wellness, and laughter, offering a safe and enriching environment.
05.
“So Let’s give’m a summer camp!”
-Mona Aburmishan & Karam Karajat
YCC INTRODUCES
“Summer Camp & More...”
2024 - 2027
Project
Overview
The Yafa Cultural Center “Summer Camp & More...” Project provides a holistic experience for children and future teachers by integrating comedy, breath-work, storytelling, fitness, dance, yoga, meditation, and media production, culminating in a live event that showcases their talents and teaches financial literacy through ticket sales and event management and teacher training.
Camp Insights
1
Students love to have a space where they can run around and play! This is YCC’s gym!
2
Spending time reading and having conversations will be ways of brainstorming new ideas and healthy modes of self-expression
3
Special teacher training and one-on-one guidance will always be supported and available
Results
Children who have experienced powerful breath work and physical fitness are more able to pay attention for an extended period of time versus those who haven’t. The Balata pilot project revealed the intimate connection to movement and self expression. Students were able to tell their stories once their body was in alignment with their breath of life!
Our Strategy
2024 Pilot Summer Camp
2024 After-School Programing
YCC will host all activities offered during “The Pilot” Summer Camp to students interested and their families.
2025 Research & Programing Development
2025 “SummerCamp & More...”
The Big Day! Summer Camp officially launches:
Starting 25 June 2025 to 25 August, 2025
The Team is always developing and testing new games and techniques for teaching.
2025 Summer Camp Prep
During the 2024/2025 academic school year our team will be preparing for Summer Camp starting in June 2025!
2025 After-School Programing
2026 Summer Camp Prep
2026 “Summer Camp & More...”
2026 R & D
*Pre-Registration Games & Activities start 25 May 25
06.
about the RESEARCH
Mona and the University of Chicago Medical School
Methodology
This project is also a part of ongoing research conducted by Mona Aburmishan, who is finishing her Master's thesis and embarking on her Ph.D. journey. Mona collaborates with nearly all universities and colleges in Palestine, as well as many institutions in her native Chicago, Illinois, USA. She has partnered with professors at the University of Chicago Medical School to apply the principles of comedy and wellness, resulting in a publication in BMC Medical Education. The camp’s activities are studied to explore their impact on interpersonal biases, wellness, and emotional healing, ensuring a transformative experience for participants while contributing to academic research.
Click to Read full Article
07.
about the team
Ibrahim, Mona and Karam
Team Members
<<click images for bios - ARABIC & ENGLISH available>>
Mohammed “Karam” Karajat
Mr. Mohammed "Karam" Karajat, co-founder of "The Lighthause" virtual wellness center with his wife, is an expert in energy healing, camp counseling, and bilingual education in Arabic and English.
With extensive experience in trauma and PTSD holistic coaching, Karam is passionate about empowering Palestinian students and fostering cultural understanding. His work includes live event production, conflict resolution, and gender empowerment. Karam's commitment to wellness and his dedication to helping people actualize their full potential make him a pivotal figure in the success of the kids' summer camp project at Balata Refugee Camp.
“A day without laughter is a day waisted”
Mona Mohammed Aburmishan
Mrs. Mona Aburmishan, founder of "Mona Comedy, Inc.," has been running children's comedy workshops since 2011. She brings her vast experience as an international comedian, public speaker, and healer to her work.
Mona's academic research on innovative educational models and her dedication to helping people connect with their voices are central to her mission. Currently completing her Master’s thesis at DePaul University and her PhD in post-apartheid educational models, Mona combines her passion for comedy, education, and healing to create transformative experiences for children and adults alike. Her work aims to empower the next generation and promote resilience and joy within the Palestinian community.
08.
about the money
Important Time to Teach Kids Cash
2
Movement and physical fitness helps children and adults processes intense emotions and energy. The kids in Balata Refugee camp experience intnese sounds and environmental stresses, that a consisten fitness regime is now becoming a supportive space to play.
Theory
1
That language is a powerful form of self-expression; and when used wisely can quickly shape someone’s reality. The children at the Balta Refugee Camp will grow in language and thereby grow in life.
3
Event production management is a very complex and enjoyable part of being a comedian. When the children can learn and leverage event management they have a skillset that sets them apart from their piers. The camp will highlight this.
Resources : Annuity
The Balata Refugee Camp Summer Camp Pilot Project is designed to be a sustainable annuity for any refugee camp cultural center by generating a new stream of income. By integrating engaging activities such as comedy, breath-work, storytelling, fitness, dance, yoga, meditation, and media production, the camp culminates in a live event where participants showcase their talents. This event, through ticket sales and event management, teaches financial literacy and creates revenue. The program's bilingual workshops in Arabic and English attract a diverse audience, enhancing its appeal and financial viability. Additionally, the certification received upon completion ensures ongoing participation and community engagement, thereby providing continuous financial support and stability for the cultural center.
---
Evidence
The video showcases Stand-Up Comedian Mona Aburmishan, founder of Class Clowns, a comedy workshop for youth and professionals aimed at building social skills, confidence, and leadership.
This program, which fosters open communication in professional settings, highlights Mona's expertise in managing diverse groups and creating engaging, supportive environments. Her extensive experience with Class Clowns workshops provides her with the skills to handle any challenges that may arise in the Balata Summer Camp Project, demonstrating her proven track record in delivering impactful, transformative educational experiences.
Mona brought the kids comedy project to various parts of South Africa. Here is one of the project performances and workshops she offered to Mithcells Plain Library. Above the children are all playing an improv comedy game with Mona.
It can be FREE for the kids!
The Balata Refugee Camp Summer Camp Pilot Project exemplifies a pioneering approach to free education by integrating financial literacy into its curriculum. Students pay a nominal fee of 150 local currency to participate in the camp. Throughout the program, they engage in various classes and workshops, including comedy, breath-work, storytelling, fitness, dance, yoga, meditation, and media production. A mandatory component of the camp is the production of a final live event, where students showcase their talents.
By selling tickets to this event, students have the opportunity to recoup their initial investment and potentially raise additional funds. This hands-on experience not only teaches valuable skills in event management and financial planning but also empowers students to understand and practice the principles of self-sustainability and entrepreneurship. This model ensures that the education provided is not only impactful and comprehensive but also self-funding, fostering a sense of accomplishment and financial independence among the participants.
Pricing Table
Summer CAmp Fee
Kids who can register for their camp in advance see the benefit of learning to make money.
150
Duration of Cource
Kids will develop kids using the technologies and applications we pay for at not cost to them.
0
Event Production budget
Kids have the ability to make money through ticket sales of their final Summer Camp event!
150+
09.
about the Possibility
What next?
100%
Success Stories
What is possible now that the children have access to innovative education space!
What will their future look like?
College Bound
The Balata Summer Camp Project not only enriches the lives of children but also serves as a gateway to future educational opportunities at Al-Quds University. Through our collaboration, camp participants are introduced to the university’s Dual Studies Program, which offers internships and work-study opportunities. This connection allows students to continue their educational journey by gaining practical experience in their chosen fields. Those interested in supporting the next generation can contribute by hosting a student or sponsoring a child through the camp today.
We invite you to partner with the Dual Studies Program at Al-Quds University, launched in 2015 with support from the German government. This program bridges the gap between academic education and the Palestinian labor market by integrating academic study with practical work experience. Students alternate between university coursework and hands-on training in partner companies, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program boasts partnerships with over 250 companies and offers fields like Electrical Engineering, IT, Business Administration, and more.
internship
Select prospective students based on academic achievement, potential and criteria.
Partnered with Yafa Cultural Center
Al Quds University: Dual Studies Program
Student Specializations and Fields of Interest
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Business Administration
- Industrial Engineering
- Digital Management
DECEMBER - MARCH
2024/ 2025
Enjoy a new opportunity in your firm while hosting a PALESTINIAN from Al Quds University student intern!
10.
about the conclusion
what happens after apartheid?
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people” - Victor B.
Creating a safe place to PLAY again.
Conclusion
We invite you to join us for an engaging presentation on the Balata Refugee Camp Summer Camp Pilot Project. Discover how this innovative program integrates education, financial literacy, and creative arts to empower children and future educators.
Your support can make a significant impact—whether through donations, resources, or social capital, you can help transform lives and create lasting change. Be a part of this exciting journey and contribute to a brighter future for the children of Balata. Together, we can make a difference!
Two buddies just walking through the Balata Refugee Camp all smiling and FREE :)
11.
about you!
Ways in which you can be part of the Summer Camp experience!
you can make a difference
THE GREATEST GIFT TO THIS PROJECT IS 1ST YOUR PRAYERS FOR ITS SUCCESS!!!
ZELLE
Thank you for your generous contribution to the Summer Camp and More... project. Your support and kindness are already making a positive impact on the children in Balata.
PAYPAL
Thank you for your kind contribution to the Summer Camp and More,,, project. Your love and appreciation are felt already with the kids in Balata.
SOCIAL CAPITAL
Sponsorships and Donations are welcomed that meet our GOLDEN STANDARD. Contributors MUST BE in alignment with the mission and vision of this project & community.
Thank you from our Team to yours!
Contact us directly
12.
about goodbyes
We appreciate meeting you!
Thank
You!!!