It is hard to say whether it was Odai or his father who was more excited about Odai’s chance to participate in the TechnoKids Summer Camp, especially as other camps wouldn’t accept Odai because he has a physical disability. But, the USAID-supported TechnoKids Summer Camp was happy to have Odai attend, and he joined approximately 600 other students from 10 different schools in Gaza at the fun and educational camp.
In talking about his son's experience at the camp, Odai’s father said, ''I would like to thank the donors and sponsors for giving my son the opportunity to participate in such an amazing activity. He enjoyed the computer corner so much. Everyone was nice to him and he felt for the first time in his life that he's no different from the other kids".
Funded by the U. S Agency for International Development (USAID), the MSN Program, in partnership with the Palestinian Information and Communication Technology Association, organized the "TechnoKids Summer Camps," to give children a chance to become more creative, motivated and self-confident.
Each summer camp lasted for 10 days, during which time students had the opportunity to enhance their skills in math, science and English. Students could engage in hands-on activities, such as arts and crafts, enjoy a cinema-toon corner where they watched cartoons and animations followed by discussions, play in a science maze, or participate in other multimedia and creative thinking activities.
The TechnoKids Summer Camps provided the perfect place for students to try something new and challenge themselves, while feeling right at home in their usual educational environment. Students were able to pursue their interests, develop their skills and most importantly, have fun. Shahad Tinna of Al Nassr School said, "I have been to many summer programs and they were the same but this camp is way different. I've learned how to think in a creative way now."
Many parents sent ‘Thank You’ letters to their children’s schools and to the camps’ administration noting that their children were applying what they had learned while at camp into action at home. One of the mothers noted that her child has become more self–confident, and that she even decorated the family living room based on what she picked up in the arts and craft corner.
Each of the camps concluded with a field trip to the Ibad Al Rahman Beach Resort. There, the students had even more fun and participated in a final ceremony to celebrate all they had learned and to seal the friendships they had made.
