Program Overview

“An Eye to the Future” will run for 36 months and has a total estimated cost of $1,121,730. This program, launched in July 2009, will develop child-centered conflict mitigation programs in three of the most violent areas of the Gaza Strip. Approximately 2400 children (male and female) aged 9-13 will participate in community-based efforts characterized by intentional programming that integrates behavioral and attitudinal change strategies with fun and constructive activities. Children will be supervised and mentored by adults who will be trained through this project. Low child/adult ratios will assure children receive the guidance, attention, and modeling necessary to effect the desired changes. Parents and community leaders will be integrated into the program, thereby helping disseminate messages of conflict mitigation.

Goals

The project’s main objective is to break the cycle of violence-trauma-violence in impoverished areas on the frontline of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict by promoting the development of skills and attitudes that will contribute to a peaceful society and future.

Specific Objectives

• Establish a high quality child-centered program in conflict impacted areas of Gaza that changes children’s attitudes and mitigates violence.

• Create a cadre and network of Palestinians (including future teachers) and Community Based Organizations who are conversant in developing pro-social behaviors in children through intentional programming methodologies.

• Develop a nexus of approximately 2,400 children (boys and girls) who exhibit conflict mitigating pro-social skills and attitudes and for whom some of the necessary structure and support of an intact childhood has been returned.

Successes

• 63 Activators (children’s mentors) have been trained in “Moving Forward” and “Foundation” methodologies.

• A ‘Program Design Guidebook’ was created that outlines all of the critical components and steps necessary to launch this program at the sites of three community-based organizations (CBOs).

• On January 16th, 2010, three sub-grants ($125,000 each) were awarded to three Palestinian CBOs: Eastern Gaza Society for Family Development (EGS), Al Atta' Charitable Society (ACS), and Beit Lahia Development Association (BLDA). The sub-grants will support “Eye to the Future” children’s activities over the coming 18 months.