Lajee Center

National Network
Palestine
Telephone
972 2 275 0789
Fax
00972 2 277 6446
E-Mail
info@lajee.org
E-Mail (2)
richimages02@hotmail.com
Mobile Phone
00972 59 817 5870
Mobile Phone (other)
00972 9 817 5871
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2000
Fields of Activity
  1. Arts
  2. Democracy and community development
  3. Human rights
  4. International/Cultural relations
  5. Youth and education
General Information
Lajee Center is staffed mainly by full-time volunteers with just two paid members of staff.The elected Administrative Board consists of local volunteers and members of Lajee's New Generation, and a second Consultative Committee consists of International Friends and Supporters. Lajee is a Palestinian led organisation. Lajee receives no regular sustainable funding towards its infrastructure but does receive project specific funding from a range of sources for creative projects. Recent projects have been supported by organisations including The British Consulate (Jerusalem), The Belgian Technical Cooperation (Jerusalem), The HOPING Foundation (UK), Open Society Institute (US), Mennonite Central Committee, BADIL, the Pontifical Mission, and others.
Mission and Objectives

Lajee Center (‘lajee’ means ‘refugee’ in Arabic), was established in Aida Camp in April 2000 by a group of 11 young people from the Camp who wanted to serve the community. It is an independent, Palestinian, non-governmental organization, registered with the Ministry of NGO Affairs of the Palestinian National Authority in 2001. The main aim of the Center is to provide refugee youth with cultural, educational, social and developmental opportunities. Its programs are designed in response to the particular needs of the children and the skills and abilities of its members.

Main Projects / Activities

Lajee Center's work focuses on creative and cultural projects such as 'Dabka' folkdancing, Photography, Digital Film, Creative Summer Camps, Written word projects etc. Lajee Dabka Troupe has performed internationally and photography exhibitions have been shown around the world.Lajee also runs continuous courses in Human Rights education, English Language, Refugee/Palestinian History, etc.
- Publications include two childrens photography books, an illustrated childrens story book, and a periodical magazine.
- Creative Summer Camps, annual childrens summer camps are held in Aida Camp offering around 150 children two weeks of intensive educational and cultural activities and projects.
- International Summer Camp, brings 20 international volunteers to Aida Camp to work with Lajee children.
- Educational scholarship program. This program enables us to offer financial support to members at different stages of the educational career including Tawjihi students, University students, and Open University system.
Lajee projects are based on principles of Human Rights, Democracy, and International Law.

Contact (1) Full Name
Mr Salah Ajarma
Head of the organisation
Mr Salah Ajarma (Director)
Contact (2) Full Name
Mr Rich Wiles (Coordinator International Relations)