The Palestinian Youth Village

Nestled in the captivating town of Kufr Ni’ma, just 17 km northwest of Ramallah, lies The Youth Village. Created by the Sharek Youth Forum, it occupies 35 dunums of formerly abandoned land adorned with olive trees, figs, and timeless grapevines. Constructed by dedicated volunteers, the village boasts structures crafted from valley-sourced natural materials, wood, and repurposed elements, embodying an eco-friendly ethos. This eco-village stands as a testament to sustainable living. Designed for education, sports, and leisure, it provides an idyllic backdrop for youth gatherings, corporate events, and retreats far from the urban bustle. Within its premises, you'll find an educational garden complex complete with a dedicated building, modern sanitation facilities, enclosed balconies, and inviting terraces. Additionally, a community centre featuring restrooms, a well-equipped culinary space, an expansive balcony, and a camping zone are at your disposal.

Creating a Haven for Youth: Spanning 34,000 square meters, Sharek's Palestinian Youth Village is not just a space; it's a haven where creativity, environmental consciousness, and community intertwine. Crafted with care, the village embodies the spirit of Palestinian youth, utilizing locally recycled materials in harmony with nature.

This visionary project is a testament to mindful construction, with every structure echoing the code of sustainability and eco-friendly living. Here, the village comes to life, not just as a testament to architectural prowess, but as an embodiment of the resilience and aspirations of Palestinian youth.

Far beyond a physical space, this haven is a living canvas, dynamically shaped by the values and dreams of the youth it serves. It is a refuge where the seeds of innovation are planted, nurtured by the rich soil of community engagement and environmental stewardship. The deliberate integration of locally sourced and repurposed materials speaks to a commitment that extends beyond construction—it is a pledge to honour and preserve the natural beauty that surrounds the village.

As a beacon for sustainability, creativity, and communal strength, the Palestinian Youth Village stands tall, offering a haven where young minds can flourish, ideas can blossom, and a shared sense of purpose can thrive. Each corner of this haven echoes the shared dreams and aspirations of a community, uniting to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Optimal Utilization of Natural Resources:

In every inch of the village, we see the dedication to conservation and the thoughtful use of natural resources for societal benefit. The village comprises not only functional spaces but a harmonious symphony of sustainability, where each element plays a crucial role in the larger ecological narrative. The sleeping areas, guest houses, and outdoor facilities are not just structures; they are conscientiously designed embodiments of a commitment to sustainable living.

A Pioneering Approach to Eco-Friendly Construction: The Youth Village pioneers an innovative approach to construction, placing a premium on the philosophy of reusing and recycling as primary sources of building materials. Every brick, every beam, and every corner of this haven emerges from a conscious effort to minimize environmental impact. By repurposing locally sourced and recycled materials, the village becomes a living testament to the possibilities of eco-friendly architecture. This approach not only underscores the commitment to sustainable practices but also sets a precedent for future developments to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the broader landscape of construction and environmental responsibility.

An Ideal Educational and Social Hub: Our village stands as the ideal setting for educational, social, and communal programs. Designed to adhere to the Palestinian social structure, it provides an optimal space for implementing programs that reconnect participants with the land and foster a sense of belonging. It is a conversation held between the village and the youth where they contribute to the development of the village while it, too, plays a role in reshaping perspectives incorporating the essence of Palestinian culture and traditions. It goes beyond the conventional approach by not only providing a physical space for activities but by weaving a narrative that reconnects participants with the rich historical tapestry of the land. As a result, The Youth Village stands as an epitome of an educational and social hub that doesn't just meet but exceeds the expectations of a nurturing, inclusive, and enriching space for all.

Tamayyaz's Impactful Journey: Tamayyaz, our flagship program, has witnessed the transformative power of the Youth Village. Previous cohorts have engaged in interactive challenges and activities, revealing the potential of this innovative space. This experience has been pivotal in defining the extent of interaction, innovation, and support the Youth Village environment provides.

Village Learning Centre: To optimize the delivery of the Tamayyaz program, Sharek has established the Village Learning Centre (VLC) as a complimentary site within Sharek’s Youth Village. This strategic move aims to focus on self-learning experiences, contributing to the sustainable development of equal access to economic resources through employability training, project experience, and advocacy. The VLC has further diffused the outreach and the impacts of the Youth Village, as its design has been carefully thought through with a focus on optimisation strategies for enhancing learning, creativity and active participation of young people. In this way, the VLC diverges from the traditional learning environments such as classrooms, and instead offers multifunctional facilities dedicated to the development of projects such as “Tamayyaz” and beyond.

Discover The Youth Village: Nestled in the captivating town of Kufr Ni’ma, The Youth Village is an eco-friendly haven, boasting structures crafted from valley-sourced natural materials. It stands as a testament to sustainable living, designed for education, sports, and leisure, providing a peaceful backdrop for various activities.

Goals of The Youth Village:

• Environmental and Cultural Education: Nurturing minds through environmental and cultural education for youth and children. Our commitment extends beyond conventional learning. We strive to cultivate a profound understanding of environmental and cultural dynamics among the youth. Through innovative educational programs, we aim to foster a generation that not only comprehends but actively contributes to the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage.
• Land Conservation: Protecting the land from the dangers of confiscation, settlement, or misuse. We consider the preservation of our terrain not just a responsibility but a fundamental duty toward safeguarding our collective future.
• Community Engagement: Beyond being a physical space, The Youth Village thrives as a vibrant centre for diverse community activities. Whether it's educational pursuits, recreational events, or sports activities, our aim is to provide an inviting natural environment that becomes a catalyst for community bonding and shared experiences.
• Green/Environmental Investment: In acknowledgment of the pressing need to address global climate challenges, Sharek steadfastly commits to aligning our actions with international efforts aimed at combating climate change. Rooted in a profound understanding of our collective responsibility, our village stands as a testament to the urgency of environmental preservation.

At Sharek, we have adopted a comprehensive approach to sustainability, emphasizing the integration of green practices into the very fabric of our Palestinian Youth Village. Our commitment to environmental responsibility extends beyond rhetoric, as we actively engage in pioneering green construction methodologies. From inception to realization, every structure within our village is a testament to our dedication to sustainable architecture.

Embracing the transformative potential of alternative energy sources, we harness cutting-edge technologies to power our village. This not only mitigates our ecological footprint but serves as a beacon for communities aspiring to transition towards renewable and sustainable energy solutions.

Our dedication to the environment is further exemplified through proactive pollution reduction strategies. By employing eco-friendly materials and waste management practices, we strive to minimize our impact on the environment, safeguarding the delicate ecosystems surrounding the village.

Promoting a circular economy, we champion recycling initiatives, ensuring that materials are repurposed and reused wherever possible. This commitment to the recycling ethos is not just an environmental strategy; it's a conscious effort to inspire sustainable practices among our visitors.

In optimizing the utilization of natural resources, we embrace a harmonious coexistence with the environment. Sharek envisions the Palestinian Youth Village as a living model of eco-friendly living, where every aspect of our daily activities resonates with the principles of environmental sustainability. Our holistic environmental investment stands as an integral part of this vision, driving us to create a resilient and sustainable community that serves as a beacon for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow despite of the uncountable challenges and limitations on taking such measures in the Palestinian context.

Promote Citizenship and Belonging: The Youth Village actively cultivates a spirit of engagement through charitable initiatives, voluntary initiatives, and meaningful community work. Our commitment to social responsibility is embedded in the very essence of our village, where residents and participants are encouraged to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of the community.

Our approach goes beyond mere awareness, as we actively create opportunities for individuals to engage with the experiences of others. Through shared initiatives, collaborative projects, and open dialogue, we strive to create a vibrant tapestry of communal life. This multifaceted approach not only enriches the lives of individuals but also contributes to the fabric of a harmonious and interconnected society.

In essence, our commitment to promoting citizenship and belonging is a dynamic and evolving journey. It is an invitation to actively participate in the collective narrative of our community, fostering a deep sense of responsibility, pride, and interconnectedness. Through these initiatives, we aim to encourage in each participant a profound sense of belonging and an unwavering commitment to contributing positively to the broader societal tapestry.

Explore the Palestinian Countryside: Develop various life skills and the art of coexistence in different circumstances. Explore Palestine and its rural areas, enjoying its beauty, learning about folklore, and exchanging knowledge and experiences through camping, trekking skills, walking, and coexistence with nature.

Teamwork and Leadership Skills: At the core of The Youth Village's mission is a dedication to comprehensive skill development, moving beyond individual competencies to shape well-rounded individuals poised for personal and professional growth.

• Fostering Teamwork Dynamics: Methodically designed initiatives offer hands-on experiences that encourage effective teamwork. Participants actively engage in collaborative initiatives, navigating challenges that demand collective problem-solving. These activities plant a profound appreciation for diverse perspectives, effective communication, and the synergy that emerges when individuals collaborate toward a shared goal.
• Communication Proficiency: Recognizing effective communication as fundamental to success, tailored activities and workshops enhance verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Participants develop the ability to articulate ideas persuasively, actively listen, and navigate diverse communication styles. These skills not only contribute to successful teamwork but also enhance personal and professional value.
• Developing Leadership skills: Our programs provide a platform for participants to develop and refine leadership capacities through experiential learning. Guidance is offered in understanding leadership styles, decision-making processes, and the significance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
• Responsibility: Emphasizing responsibility beyond skills, participants acquire a sense of accountability for actions, extending from food preparation to stove use. This basic responsibility becomes a guiding principle, fostering a culture of reliability and trust.
• Mastering Practical Life Skills: Going beyond theory, our approach incorporates practical life skills essential in real-world scenarios. From understanding directions to reading maps, participants gain competence, empowering them to navigate various situations with confidence.

In essence, our commitment transcends a mere checklist, offering a transformative journey that equips individuals with multifaceted capabilities for thriving in an ever-evolving world. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also cultivates contributors to societal advancement. An investment made in youth is a fruitful investment that initially serves the individuals but also contributes to a better society in the present and the future.

The Youth Village consists of:

• An ideal environment and an environmental education centre.
• A community centre for capacity building.
• A large space for outdoor exercise.
• A camping area with residential facilities.
• Arenas for adventures and challenges.
• Enhancing Citizenship and Belonging.
• The Youth Centre encourages charity, volunteerism, and community work.
• Participants learn about the history of Palestine, as well as gaining knowledge on its rich cultural diversity, through exposure to the experiences of others.