Triple Exposure trip to Beit Ferik olive groves

Last week we took one of the advanced photography classes to the village of Beit Ferik, a few kilometres from the city of Nablus. In groups of twos and threes they shared the DSLR cameras and put into practice what they had recently been learning about nature photography. Students were given a checklist to inspire them to capture the beauty of nature and get them thinking about composition, colour, light and shadow.

In Palestine, the olive tree is prized for its historical presence, its beauty, its symbolism and most importantly economic significance. The trees are important as they have long been a key part of the country’s agricultural output: olives, oil and wood. Nablus itself is famous for soap made from olive oil, and it is still made in the couple of the factories left in the city today.

In recent years, many olive groves in the west bank have been destroyed, but the ancient trees that remain rooted in the land, embody the history and durability of the Palestinian people.

Here are some of the top shots from the day.  For more photos, please see the Triple Exposure blog.

by Noha

by Taha

by Samee

by Hala

by Amira

by Samee

For more photos, please see the Triple Exposure blog.

Field Trip to the Park with the Core Program!

Last Thursday, the Core Teachers skipped TYO’s building and went straight to the park with their students. It’s was a beautiful day and end to a long week, so we all decided the kids could use some fun in the sun. They played on the swings, jumped around in the sand, and got some exercise. And, we ran around taking pictures of their experience. Here are some of them!

“I’m so happy here! This is the first time I’ve been to a park!” said Sadeel, a 4-year-old. Sadeel wasn’t the only one who was new to the playful park experience. Some of the children weren’t sure what to do. Maid, for example, refused to play because he wasn’t sure what to do at a park until another child, Nihad, came to play with and help Maid. It’s great seeing the kids caring for each other, trying new things, and have fun!

The kids loved to role play on the playground. Here is a little girl driving!

We ended the day with some face painting. Kids requested flowers, butterflies, lions, cats, and even the TYO building! Eventually, the hours passed and it was time to go but the kids all expressed their excitement about another field trip to the park. It was a great day for the Core Program!

-Suhad

Suhad is the Psychosocial Program Manager.

TYO Volunteers Enjoy a Day in Tulkarm

On Saturday, 8 August about 40 people, including several TYO volunteers, some of their siblings and two TYO Staff members went on a trip to Tulkarm.  It was an exciting trip for the many as they have never been to the city before. While in Tulkarm, the group enjoyed a visit to Alwaha Park where they swam and sang in the sun.

Photo of the Day

Morning Program participants take a trip to the park in celebration of the last week of the Spring 2009 Session.