UNRWA ToT Website PS4L -Khutwa Safe Spaces: Training of Trainers Strengthens School-Based Implementation

 

As part of the Khutwa – Safe Spaces Program, Palestine Sports for Life (PS4L) successfully conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) aimed at strengthening the capacity of teachers and school counselors to deliver safe, inclusive, and engaging school-based activities through sport.

The ToT focused on equipping educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to implement Khutwa Safe Spaces sessions effectively, while promoting child protection, gender equality, life skills, and psychosocial well-being within UNRWA Schools.

Who Participated?

The training brought together 31 teachers and trainers from UNRWA schools, including school counselors and physical education teachers, selected based on their active roles within schools and their ability to transfer learning to students and peers.

Two parallel ToTs were conducted in Ramallah and Nablus, each delivered over two full training days on 16 and 17 February. The training in Ramallah brought together 16 participants, while the Nablus training included 15 participants, completing a total of 14 training hours per group. Participants who successfully completed the training received certificates of participation and completion, recognizing their commitment and readiness to apply what they learned in their schools.

Expert Facilitation

The ToT was facilitated by PS4L trainers Yumn Masri and Suad Alqam, whose extensive experience in sport for development, safe spaces, and school-based programming ensured a dynamic, engaging, and well-structured learning experience. Their facilitation combined practical expertise with a participatory approach that encouraged open dialogue, reflection, and hands-on application.

A Learning Experience Through Play

The ToT adopted a highly participatory, experiential learning approach, with approximately 80% of the training delivered through interactive games and practical activities, and 20% through short presentations and guided handbook use.

Through icebreakers, group games, discussions, role-plays, and reflection activities, participants explored how sport can be used as a powerful tool to:

• Build life skills
  
  
• Promote gender equality and inclusion
  
  
• Support students’ mental health and well-being
  
  
• Create safe and supportive learning environments
  
  
• Strengthen child protection practices in schools
  
  

Learning by doing was at the heart of the training, with participants designing and testing their own sport-based activities to address gender, child protection, and safe space concepts in age-appropriate and inclusive ways.

Key Topics Covered

Throughout the two-day ToT, sessions focused on:

• Introduction to the Khutwa Program and Safe Spaces approach
  
  
• Life skills development through sport
  
  
• Gender concepts and challenging stereotypes
  
  
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) through play
  
  
• Child protection principles and safeguarding responsibilities
  
  
• Safe spaces, ethical practice, and inclusive facilitation
  
  
• Practical game design and school-based implementation
  
  

Strong Engagement and Positive Outcomes

Photos, videos, and session observations reflected a high level of engagement and active participation. Participants consistently contributed to discussions, games, and reflections, and shared experiences from their own school contexts.

While many participants reported having limited prior exposure to topics such as gender, MHPSS, child protection, and safe spaces, the ToT led to noticeable growth in confidence and understanding. By the end of the training, participants expressed strong motivation to begin applying the activities and approaches with their students and within their school communities.

Looking Ahead

The ToT represents a key step in translating Khutwa’s vision into practice. By empowering teachers and counselors as safe space facilitators and mentors, the training supports the program’s broader goals of fostering safer, more inclusive, and more supportive school environments. while laying the foundation for upcoming school-level activities and student-led initiatives under the Khutwa Program.

Quotes from Teachers & Counselors who took the training

 

• From Linda Samhan:

I am Linda Samhan, a psychologist and life skills trainer dedicated to supporting children’s well-being and development.

I strongly believe that safe play is not merely an activity, but a fundamental right for every child. Participating in the Safe Play training deepened my commitment to applying child protection standards within the school environment. Through this approach, we strive to create a safe educational space where students’ dignity is respected, and where they are empowered to express themselves, build confidence, and grow in a secure and supportive setting.

• From Suhad Attallah :

 

Suad Attallah emphasizes that this training goes beyond physical activity — it positions sport as a powerful educational tool to promote positive values such as cooperation, leadership, and conflict resolution. The core objective is to equip participants with practical approaches to intentionally integrate life skills into sports activities, enabling students to grow both personally and socially. The training also reinforces the principles of gender equality by promoting inclusive practices and empowering girls to fully exercise their rights and actively participate in safe, supportive environments.

• From Rana Khawaldeh:

 

I am Rana Khawaldeh , a physical education teacher at Qalandia Girls School. I participated in the Khutwa training over the course of two days. The program introduced new knowledge and tools to me, especially since I work with students around the age of 12 to 16. This was particularly important, as it helped me further develop my existing skills and strengthened my ability to effectively transfer these skills to my students at school.