Lajee centre, which is located in  Aida Palestinian refugee camp, carried out the “Implementation of the Non-Violence Approach Through Agriculture” initiative in cooperation with Pah-Think for Strategic Studies and FXB France within the project “The Palestinian Consortium for Non-violence: towards a regional movement on Non-violence “

The initiative was performed in Aida camp,  where it is overpopulated with no green areas. In addition, it is surrounded by the Israeli apartheid wall. As well as, it is considered the most exposed spot to tear gas in the world, according to studies from Birkley University. As a result of these challenges, implementing such initiatives reduces the psychological pressure on children and engages them with targeted activities that mitigate the negative psychological effects on them. This can be done through agriculture since it has a significant impact on changing human psychology to the best.

This initiative was implemented outdoors, in collaboration with local volunteers and environmental specialists, in two phases. Firstly,  children of Aida camp cultivated productive sirens in the ground and rags on the rooftops. They also managed to create a garden by reusing the solid waste. Then they painted the seats with vivid colours in a funny and warm atmosphere.it is worth noting that initiative’s activities have a positive impact on children’s behaviour and showed their willingness to engage in upcoming farming activities.

Secondly, A bazaar for organic agricultural products titled My Country’s Products was organized in cooperation with farmers from various villages in Bethlehem. It was opened in Lajee centre’s playground by taking into consideration the protection and safety procedures of COVID-19. The bazaar aims to encourage farmers to work inside camps and villages. Plus, it aims to sell planters at nominal prices. The bazaar also included other agricultural products belongs to people who are benefiting from the agricultural basins of the Environment Unit project in Lajee centre.

The Bazaar was among the goals of supporting Palestinian farmers and promoting their own security. As well as, it is a support message of  Palestinian farmers. Moreover, farmers and representatives of agricultural associations and cooperatives who participated in the bazaar expressed their happiness with such events as they are given the opportunity to meet citizens directly to support their agricultural products. Furthermore, it has helped to strengthen the relationship between families, increased social cohesion in the camp and surrounding areas and reduced the psychological and material pressure on the family caused by the lockdown of the Coronavirus. Besides, it gave them the opportunity to buy distinct, organic and healthy Palestinian agricultural products.