Six School Initiatives Recognized Under the Khutwa Programme to Promote Health, Inclusion, and Equality
Palestine: Sports for Life (PS4L), in partnership with FRIEDA – Feminist Peace Organisation, is proud to highlight the six winning school initiatives selected under the Khutwa Programme, which supports schools in developing creative, student-led initiatives that respond to community needs and promote positive change.
The winning initiatives address a range of important issues affecting students and their communities, including healthy lifestyles, mental health, social inclusion, equality, and access to safe spaces for physical activity. Through sport, awareness-raising, interactive activities, and community engagement, the schools aim to encourage healthier behaviours, strengthen relationships, and create more inclusive and supportive environments.
Meet the Six Winning Initiatives
1. Raising Awareness of the Risks of Energy Drinks
School: Al-Zawiya Boys Secondary School
Location of implementation:Al-Zawiya village- Salfeet
This initiative aims to raise awareness among boys and girls about the risks associated with energy drink consumption and encourage healthier dietary choices. Through awareness activities and guidance, the initiative seeks to help students understand the potential effects of energy drinks on their health and adopt healthier habits.
2. Bridges of Hope and Equality
School: Qalandia First Girls School
Location of implementation: Qalandia refugee camp- East Jerusalem, with activities connecting students in the West Bank with girls in a shelter centre in the Gaza Strip
“From Qalandia to Gaza… One Voice for Hope and Equality” seeks to build an educational and humanitarian partnership between students at Qalandia First Girls School and girls living in a shelter centre in Gaza, including girls with disabilities.
Through interactive and creative activities, digital messages, podcasts, and virtual exhibitions, the initiative aims to strengthen communication, psychosocial support, community participation, and acceptance of diversity. It also seeks to amplify girls’ voices, encourage family engagement, and promote solidarity, equality, and mutual respect.
3. Beyond the Screen
School: Hares Girls Secondary School
Location of implementation: Hares- Salfeet
This community-based sports initiative encourages girls to reduce excessive screen time and become more involved in physical activity and face-to-face social interaction.
Through creative movement games, group sports activities, and awareness sessions, the initiative provides students with enjoyable alternatives to spending time on electronic devices. It also aims to strengthen teamwork, communication, self-confidence, and psychosocial well-being while promoting a healthier balance between technology use and daily life.
4. My School, a Heart Full of Life
School: Balata First Girls School
Location of implementation: Balata Refugee Camp, Nablus
“My School, a Heart Full of Life” is a comprehensive initiative that brings together sport, education, health, psychosocial support, and volunteering to create a more engaging and supportive school environment.
The initiative seeks to respond to students’ needs by providing opportunities for participation, creativity, and collective action. An important space for learning, connection, and personal development within the camp. Through this initiative, the school aims to strengthen students’ abilities, encourage teamwork, and nurture a sense of belonging and community responsibility.
5. Khutwa Creates Safe Spaces for a Generation
School: Ein Sultan Basic Mixed School
Location of implementation: Ein Sultan Refugee Camp, Jericho
Under the initiative “Khutwa Carries the Concerns of a Generation,” students aim to address the limited availability of safe spaces where girls and women can participate in physical activities and access psychosocial support.
The initiative recognises the connection between physical and mental well-being and seeks to use sport as a tool for community change. Through student-led activities in the school and partner community centres, trained girls will engage other girls and mothers in sports and awareness activities addressing issues such as obesity, diabetes, and breast cancer, while promoting emotional well-being and social inclusion.
6. Aware Lungs
School: Al-Yasriya Boys Secondary School
Location of implementation:Beit Awa - Hebron
“Aware Lungs” aims to raise students’ awareness of the dangers of smoking and its effects on lung health, the respiratory system, and overall well-being.
The initiative promotes prevention through education and encourages students to choose sport and healthy lifestyles over harmful habits. By sharing health messages with their peers and wider community, students aim to highlight the importance of personal responsibility and informed choices in protecting their health.
Supporting Student-Led Change Through Sport
The six winning initiatives demonstrate how schools can respond to the needs of their students and communities through practical, creative, and inclusive approaches. By encouraging students to take an active role in identifying challenges and developing solutions, the Khutwa Programme helps strengthen participation, responsibility, and positive engagement within school communities.
PS4L and FRIEDA congratulate the six winning schools, their teachers, and their students on their achievements and commitment to making a difference. These initiatives reflect the potential of student-led action to promote healthier lifestyles, equality, inclusion, and stronger communities through sport and collective engagement.