Students get to choose one of five themes, according to their own interests and talents, which they pursue under the guidance of our partners on the ground, the Arab Culture Association, during their three year Galilee Foundation scholarship.
1. The Intellectual School:
The Intellectual School project aims to cultivate a new generation of philosophical and political leaders within the Palestinian community.
The project seeks to foster a deeper understanding of political philosophy and encourage the use of philosophical terminology to enrich the vocabulary of students, equipping them with the tools necessary for critical thinking and analytical skills.
The project starts with a series of lectures by renowned speakers, authors, analysts, and critics. Participants also engage in diverse and thought-provoking philosophical readings, expanding their intellectual horizons.
Next the emphasis shifts to honing practical skills. Participants take part in workshops dedicated to mastering the art of debate and effective writing. A highlight of this level is a masterclass conducted by distinguished authors, providing participants with insights into the craft of intellectual expression.
Lastly the project requires the integration of acquired knowledge and skills, challenging participants to produce original intellectual output. This involves engaging in debates and generating written work that reflect a synthesis of their newfound understanding and skills.
2. Cultural Nexus: Enriching University Life:
The “Cultural Nexus” project aims to invigorate the cultural and artistic landscape within university campuses. By considering the challenges faced by Palestinian students in Israeli universities, particularly after the events of October 7th, the project takes a proactive stance in addressing the sense of alienation. It aims to elevate students’ academic experience by fostering a deeper connection with their cultural roots and nurturing a sense of identity and belonging in a more inclusive and supportive educational environment providing them with a platform for cultural expression and support.
Project Objectives:
- Amplify Cultural Interaction: Elevate the cultural and artistic interactions among university students, providing a platform for the diverse expression of creativity, while also recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity, including that of Palestinian students.
- Creative Expression Hub: Establish a dynamic platform for students to unleash their creative potential, promoting a spectrum of talents and artistic endeavours, with a specific focus on addressing the cultural identity of Palestinian students.
- Cultural Bridge: Forge a meaningful connection between students and the rich tapestry of national arts and cultures, fostering a profound understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage.
- Cultivate Belonging: Cultivate a sense of belonging by weaving a cultural framework within universities, creating a supportive and inclusive community that considers the specific challenges faced by Palestinian students.
3. The Leadership Project:
This course is a crucial initiative to empower the Palestinian youth—a pivotal force in our societal development and the catalyst for meaningful change. It aims to cultivate an informed, educated, and capable generation equipped with organizational prowess and critical thinking skills, poised to steer our community towards positive transformation.
Participants will be equipped with essential leadership, initiative, organizational, critical thinking, and communication skills. Simultaneously, the course will fortify an understanding of collective and individual awareness and identity. Emphasis is placed on instilling values of belonging and fostering societal change. Practical experience is a cornerstone of the course, as participants engage in organizing projects and volunteering for the community.
This initial stage includes activities and workshops covering various topics, from breaking the ice to discussing identity, communication, public speaking, and historical narratives—all with a distinctive Palestinian context.
The course then delves into the critical concept of societal change, emphasizing mechanisms and skills in organization, initiative, and group building. This stage further deepens understanding of identity, communication, and the collaborative nature of societal change.
Participants then have an opportunity to apply the values and skills acquired throughout the course by actively engage in organizing community projects and volunteering. Accompanied by experienced mentors from within the Palestinian community, participants learn from real-world experiences, evaluate their own endeavours, and ultimately build self confidence. Through these experiences, the course endeavours to nurture socially responsible individuals, future leaders committed to the betterment of our Palestinian community.
4. Land Sovereignty Project:
The Land Sovereignty Project aims to address the pressing need to reconnect Palestinians with their land, cultural heritage, and agricultural practices amidst ongoing occupation and environmental challenges. It aims to foster a more resilient and sustainable future for Palestine wherein Palestinians exercise full dominion over their land, resources, and food systems.
Primarily, we seek to deepen our comprehension of the intrinsic nature of our land and the persistent threats it faces from external forces, particularly the challenges posed by occupation. Through meticulous documentation and rigorous study, we intend to discern and analyze these threats, thereby enhancing our capacity to safeguard and conserve our natural environment for posterity.
Additionally, the project endeavors to spotlight and celebrate our indigenous plant species, delving into their historical significance and traditional roles in Palestinian daily life. By means of comprehensive workshops, immersive field excursions, and insightful interviews with local stakeholders, we aspire to unearth invaluable insights into our rich agricultural heritage and underscore the pivotal role of indigenous flora in fostering community sustainability.
The Project is dedicated to empowering Palestinians to reclaim their food sovereignty by promoting sustainable agricultural methodologies and fostering local food production initiatives. Through advocating for self-reliance, we endeavour to diminish reliance on external food sources and fortify resilience in the face of economic and political vicissitude as well as preserve our cultural legacy,
5. Cultural and Artistic Production Groups
A Cultural and Artistic Production Group aimes to create a secure and expressive artistic space for Palestinian students while promoting indigenous art, particularly Palestinian art, and liberating artistic expression from colonial constraints.
Our objectives include organizing workshops and training sessions to develop students’ skills in various artistic domains such as photography, painting, and literature, alongside offering an artistic track for students from diverse backgrounds.
Additionally, we seek to identify specific artistic products and present them to showcase Palestinian creativity.
Furthermore, our project entails organizing diverse cultural events, including artistic and musical festivals, as well as conducting seminars and lectures on cultural and artistic topics relevant to our reality.
