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Khutwa Safe Spaces ToT Strengthens School-Based Implementation Across UNRWA Schools

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 training focused on equipping educators with the knowledge, practical tools, and facilitation skills needed to effectively implement Khutwa Safe Spaces sessions. It also emphasized promoting child protection, gender equality, life skills, and psychosocial well-being within UNRWA schools.

Participation and Structure

A total of 31 teachers and trainers from UNRWA schools participated in the training, including school counselors and physical education teachers. Participants were carefully selected based on their active roles within schools and their ability to transfer knowledge to students and fellow educators.

Two parallel trainings were conducted in Ramallah and Nablus on 16–17 February, with:

  • 16 participants in Ramallah

  • 15 participants in Nablus

Each group completed 14 hours of intensive training over two full days. Upon completion, participants received certificates recognizing their readiness to apply the Safe Spaces approach in their schools.

Expert Facilitation

The ToT was led by experienced PS4L trainers Yumn Masri and Suad Alqam, who brought extensive expertise in sport for development and school-based programming. Their participatory facilitation style fostered open dialogue, reflection, and hands-on learning throughout the sessions.

Learning Through Play

The training adopted an experiential learning approach, with:

  • 80% practical, interactive activities

  • 20% guided presentations and handbook use

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

  • Build life skills

  • Promote gender equality and inclusion

  • Support students’ mental health

  • Create safe learning environments

  • Strengthen child protection practices

Participants actively designed and tested their own sport-based activities, ensuring they could apply concepts in age-appropriate and inclusive ways.

Key Topics Covered

Over the two days, the training addressed:

  • 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)

  • Child protection and safeguarding principles

  • Ethical and inclusive facilitation practices

  • Practical game design for school implementation

Strong Engagement and Impact

The training sessions demonstrated high levels of engagement and participation, with educators actively contributing to discussions and activities while sharing insights from their school environments.

Although many participants initially had limited exposure to topics such as gender equality, MHPSS, and child protection, the training resulted in noticeable growth in confidence and understanding. By the end of the ToT, participants expressed strong motivation to apply the newly learned approaches within their schools.

Voices from the Training

Linda Samhan, psychologist and life skills trainer, highlighted the importance of safe play:

“Safe play is not merely an activity, but a fundamental right for every child. This training strengthened my commitment to applying child protection standards and creating a safe educational space where students feel respected and empowered.”

Suhad Attallah emphasized the broader impact of sport:

“This training positions sport as a powerful educational tool to promote cooperation, leadership, and conflict resolution. It equips us with practical approaches to intentionally integrate life skills while reinforcing gender equality and inclusion.”

Rana Khawaldeh, a physical education teacher at Qalandia Girls School, reflected on her experience:

“The training introduced new tools and knowledge that are especially valuable for my work with students aged 12 to 16. It strengthened my ability to effectively transfer skills to my students.”

Looking Ahead

This Training of Trainers marks a critical step in translating the Khutwa vision into action. By empowering teachers and counselors as safe space facilitators, the program contributes to building safer, more inclusive, and supportive school environments.

The initiative also lays the foundation for upcoming school-level activities and student-led initiatives, ensuring that the impact of the training extends directly to students and school communities.