The Child Centre – Gaza (CCG) / A. M. Qattan Foundation participated in the 3rd Hakaya Festival – Palestine events, organised by Arab Educational Forum – Palestine between 15 and 24 March 2018.
Held on the occasion of the World Storytelling Day (March 20th), the 3rd Hakaya Festival had the slogan “I told my story… and I saved it in your hearts”.
The Hakaya Festival events took place in a number of Palestinian cities, featuring a set of workshops, coaching exercises, and Hakawati (Storyteller) performances. In addition to highlighting the importance of folktales in learning and life, these activities were designed to stress the need for folktales to produce the Palestinian national memory.
The CCG organised three Hakawati performances with the participation of 150 children. On 20 March 2018, the 3rd Hakaya Festival was launched at the CCG premises. Students of the Asma Mixed Elementary School (B) and Dar al-Salam Private School took part in the Hakawati shows. Through the Shadow Theatre, children also listened to stories in the context of the Shadow of Tales activity.
Ahmed Isleem, 8 years old, said: “We had a lot of fun. We listened to the Boisterous Rooster story and sang with the Hakawati. We were so happy.”
On 22 March 2018, students of the Al-Daraj Mixed Elementary School (D) also participated in the CCG activities. They listened to stories of the Palestinian popular heritage and enjoyed heritage songs that simulated Palestinian wedding parties.
In a cheerful heritage atmosphere, children of the Al-Mughraqa area in Central Gaza celebrated the conclusion of the 3rd Hakaya Festival events. The celebration was organised in the context of the Child Friendly Spaces project, which the CCG implements.
All the year round, the CCG carries out Hakawati, Shadow of Tales / Shadow Theatre, and storytelling activities, targeting parents and children under 6 years of age. A set of activities use storytelling in the different contexts of drama, painting, puppets, performances, and popular heritage. Additionally, the CCG implements the My Country’s Monuments programme with a view to raising children’s awareness of their cultural and civilisational heritage, promoting the values of participation and community initiatives, and preserving heritage.