Keeping the hope for tomorrow : Community Development in Aida Refugee Camp

Abstract

This research sought to see how Alrowwad as an organization in Aida refugee camp worked to better their community through the arts. The specific topic was how the organization faced and worked through the difficulties of the situation in occupied Palestine and how resisting the occupation was part of the organization’s Community Development. Though the field of Community Development has amassed a lot of research, there is very little research done on what community Development looks like and how it works in Palestine and communities under occupation. The paper also includes global dimensions of international donation and volunteering, as well as stereotypes and structures of power. The findings are based on semi-structured interviews and theories of critical approach to community development, asset and need-based approach to community development, art and community development and a report on Palestinian Youth´s aspirations and challenges.