Al - Mamaoun
Nablus
Palestinian Territories
- Arts
Askadar is a social enterprise dedicated to enriching the lives of urban youth in Nablus and its neighboring villages and refugee camps through arts and education. The organization operates with a team of 12 full-time employees and engages 55 freelancers to facilitate its diverse programs. Annually, Askadar allocates resources from a budget of £100,000, sourced through a combination of grants, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships with local and international organizations. Askadar's modalities of action include concrete projects such as after-school programs, annual summer school initiatives, community workshops, and cultural events. Key partners involved in the organization's projects and activities include various local schools, cultural institutions, and businesses.
Mission of Askadar:
Askadar is committed to providing the children of Nablus with access to the transformative power of the arts. We strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where urban youth can explore their creative potential, develop essential skills, and contribute positively to their communities.
Objectives of Askadar:
* Empowering Youth: We aim to empower children and teenagers by offering them opportunities to engage in diverse artistic activities such as music, dance, and visual arts. Through these experiences, we foster self-expression, confidence, and personal growth.
Supporting Local Artists: Askadar provides a platform for emerging artists, particularly young women, to showcase their talents and earn a livelihood. We believe in the importance of nurturing local talent and promoting cultural enrichment within the community.
* Family-Oriented Programs: Our organization seeks to create a family-friendly space where parents can trust their children to participate in enriching after-school programs. We prioritize the well-being and holistic development of every child, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
* Cultural Enrichment: Askadar is dedicated to promoting Palestinian cultural identity through creative approaches and storytelling. We celebrate the rich heritage of Nablus and its surrounding areas, encouraging youth to connect with their roots and preserve traditional arts and crafts.
Main Projects / Activities of Askadar:
Arts Education Programs: Askadar offers a diverse range of arts education programs for children and youth, including classes in music, dance, visual arts, and drama. These programs provide participants with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop artistic skills, and express themselves through various mediums.
Summer School Program: The annual summer school program organized by Askadar provides intensive arts education and enrichment activities for children during the summer months. The program includes workshops, performances, and creative projects designed to engage participants in meaningful learning experiences outside of the regular school year.
Community Workshops and Events: Askadar hosts community workshops and events aimed at promoting cultural enrichment, fostering community engagement, and celebrating Palestinian heritage. These events may include art exhibitions, cultural festivals, storytelling sessions, and collaborative projects that bring together participants of all ages and backgrounds.
Scholarship Program: To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, Askadar offers scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to participate in arts education programs at reduced or no cost. The scholarship program helps remove financial barriers and allows talented individuals to pursue their artistic passions.
Professional Development Opportunities: Askadar provides professional development opportunities for emerging artists, educators, and community members interested in arts education and cultural preservation. These opportunities may include training workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events designed to support individuals in their artistic and professional growth.
As Askadar, we can contribute to the network in our country in several ways:
Sharing Best Practices: We can share our experiences and best practices in arts education, community engagement, and cultural preservation with other organizations in the network. By exchanging knowledge and insights, we can collectively improve the quality and impact of our programs and initiatives.
Collaborative Projects: We can collaborate with other network members on joint projects and initiatives that address common challenges or goals. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can amplify our impact and reach a broader audience with our programs and services.
Capacity Building: We can offer capacity building support to smaller or newer organizations in the network, helping them strengthen their organizational capacity, develop effective programming, and build sustainable funding models.
Advocacy and Policy Influence: Together with other network members, we can advocate for policies and initiatives that support the arts, cultural heritage preservation, and youth development in Palestine. By working collectively, we can amplify our voice and influence decision-makers at local, regional, and national levels.
Networking and Knowledge Sharing: We can actively participate in network events, conferences, and workshops to network with other organizations, share our experiences and learn from others. By fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can create a supportive ecosystem for the arts and cultural sector in Palestine.
We are eager to join the ALF Network for several reasons:
Access to Resources: Being part of the ALF Network will provide us with access to a wide range of resources, including funding opportunities, capacity building programs, and knowledge sharing platforms. These resources will help us strengthen our organizational capacity and expand our impact.
Networking Opportunities: The ALF Network is a diverse and dynamic community of organizations and individuals working across the Euro-Mediterranean region. By joining the network, we will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.
Learning and Exchange: We recognize the value of learning from others and exchanging ideas and best practices. As part of the ALF Network, we look forward to participating in workshops, seminars, and conferences where we can learn from the experiences of other members and contribute our own insights.
Advocacy and Solidarity: The ALF Network plays a crucial role in advocating for dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity across the Euro-Mediterranean region. By joining the network, we can contribute to these efforts and work together with other members to address common challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.