We went to Aida refugee camp and saw the entrance in the shape of a keyhole and a key. This represents the refugee experience. People left their homes with their keys, expecting to return. This really struck me: we could just walk in and out through the keyhole but they can't go back home because their homes have been taken away. They've been left with their keys but no door. The keys represent hope of returning to their homeland.
We visited the Rowwad Centre where we had an introduction by a young man who talked very fast - he had obviously given this lecture before. He introduced a film about the camp and its international connections. They provide a lot of services for young people. The film showed a lot of theatre and arts - they have toured in a number of European countries. It was interesting to see how they use drama as therapy. We saw a library - everything was so lovely and clean. They had a lot of equipment and they have their own radio service. They can now offer a recognised diploma in media studies.
We didn't walk around the camp and talk to people as it was raining very hard, but we met and had a good conversation with two women, who answered a lot of questions about women and the help they get at the centre. They particularly try and help women to develop the skills for employment - some of the produce was in the shop (embroidery for example).
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