LAJEE CENTRE / AIDA CAMP
Aida Camp, located in Bethlehem, is one of the many Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank. It was established in 1950 following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, also known as the Nakba, which resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Aida Camp, like other refugee camps, was created to provide temporary shelter for Palestinian refugees who were unable to return to their homes.
Lajee Center, established in 2000 in Aida Refugee Camp, is a grassroots cultural center founded by 11 young individuals who aimed to serve the community. "Lajee" means 'refugee' in Arabic, and the center is dedicated to working with new generations of Palestinians in their ongoing struggle for justice and rights for all Palestinians. It primarily focuses on providing cultural, educational, social, and developmental opportunities for refugee youth and women, tailoring programs to community needs while advocating for Palestinian rights. Lajee's activities extend beyond Aida Camp, welcoming participants from other refugee camps and nearby cities, fostering inclusivity and eliminating discrimination based on social class or gender. The center aims to deepen social awareness, education, and critical skills to empower members to take an active role in their society.
https://lajee.org/
