Empowering the Youth of Jayyous

The Jayyous Special Center
The Jayyous Special Center in the West Bank brings opportunities to local families.

 

Ibtisam, Program Director at the Jayyous Special Center
Ibtisam, Program Director at the Jayyous Special Center.

 

Three ping-pong tables in the center's main hall offer a place for friendly competitions.
Three ping-pong tables in the center's main hall offer a place for friendly competitions.

 

Jayyous Special Center, built by ANERA, is a place that is changing lives for the better.

Located in the heart of Jayyous village, near Qalqilya in the West Bank, the center empowers Palestinian youth to become responsible leaders in their community.

Women’s Development Society
The Women’s Development Society (WDS), housed on the center’s top floor helps young women make a difference in their communities through micro-financing and classes aimed at developing their skills, knowledge and capabilities.

Nahed Jaber has been involved with the WDS for five years, first as a participant and now as the society’s Treasurer. WDS offers workshops in educational, psychological and health-related issues such as breast cancer and women rights. It also encourages entrepreneurship through a Saving and Credit Program that enables Palestinian women to borrow up to $4,200 from the Islamic Bank to finance their own economic, cultural and educational projects.

“Financial independence helps women break free from subordination. And, it encourages them to exercise their rights and become decision makers,” says Jaber.

WDS also has plans for a library, the first-ever for Jayyous village, and a food security program, which will offer courses in food processing, production and marketing.

Youth Sports Club
Along with WDS, the Jayyous Center also works with area boys through the Youth Sports Club and other activities. Three ping-pong tables in the center’s main hall offer a place for friendly competitions. Club President Ma’zouz Qaddoumi’s office is filled with trophies and awards, including the volleyball team’s first-prize achievements in every West Bank tournament since 1994

“This sports club is not all about winning cups and medals. It is primarily about empowering the youth of Jayyous,” says Ma’zouz.

The Youth Sports Club also helps foster community development by engaging its 370 members in significant ecological, social, educational, and health issues. The club often partners with other organizations, unions, and clubs in the area.

Because of these dedicated groups, ANERA is constructing more than a building. We are helping a community make a better future.

The Jayyous Special Center was built by ANERA with funding from
the U.N.’s International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Date modified: May 2009