Luckily they had English translation throughout the day via headsets so I was able to understand what was going on. Essentially the day was a summary of research into poverty, national statistics and policy descriptions from the major players. I was familiar with a lot of the sociological terms and research methodology from my own study and found it an interesting day though a lot of similar sentiment seemed to be repeated. Though the occupation clearly has a large role to play in the functioning of the economy no one blamed external factors completely for the high level of poverty (estimated at 60% by UNRWA) and all thought that a database, that logged a record of the poor based upon an agreed definition for what counts as being in poverty, would go al long way to helping move things forward.
I had come across the idea of micro finance before and read about successes in other countries but here many initiatives had failed because though individuals had been able to produce saleable goods they didn't have access to the markets required to market them in the first place.
On a more positive note one of the speakers remarked that though economically Palestine may be poor, spirtiually it is very rich. This was echoed later in the day when I attended the final performance of a summer camp that had been running since the 20th of July. Run by the sister of one of the Project Hope staff the camp had catered for primary age children with learning difficulties. This being the 25th anniversary of the centre that works with the children during term time it was a doubly special occasion. Many of the girls wearing the same traditional dress that I had seen at the conference earlier in the day and the crowd was filled with proud parents.
As soon as I walked in I was surrounded by smiling children who seemed to have remembered me but not my name (most Palestinians seem to find pronouncing it difficult). When I told them what it was again they all started to chant 'And-dee' And-dee' and Salaam Alikum and wanted to shake my hand. The performance itself was great to watch because the children all enjoyed themselves so much. The throwing rice into the crowd to symbolise part of a wedding ceremony went down particularly well. I should know I got the treatment twice. The theme for the show was the Nakba ('catastrophe' when Israel was created 60 years ago) and the reinforcement of Palestinian culture. So we had a variety of songs, Debka and plays. I do like how the people here know about and celebrate their culture in this way.
Recently, especialy with my increased focus on human rights I have come to see myself above ideas of nationalism and nationhood thinking of these as simplistic and lacking humanity. After tonight I'm thinking that perhaps things like traditions should be passed on and revered. In the UK there has been much talk about the teaching of Britishness and I have always been decidedly cool towards this idea. I still am to a great extent as I don't think there is a clear idea of our 'culture' that can be communicated but I'm now thinking that a greater appreciation of our history as an island nation could be of benefit. Surely this would be the best way of making all members of the community regardless of their background feel part of a bigger picture that could bring everyone together. Yes people live differently and express their 'Britishness' in different ways but all have contributed to the current state in positive ways. Perhaps I'm far too idealistic still.
Or perhaps I should just go and live somewhere other than Britain!
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