SOS Children’s Villages Palestine and Halhul Municipality have opened “Safe Space,” a youth empowerment centre. The opening was attended by Mrs. Ghada Hirzallah, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine, and a delegation from the International Office, along with Mr. Wajdi Melhem, Mayor of Halhul. Representatives of the Halhul Local Youth Council and Halhul Sports Club, administrative staff from all parties and a number of community and youth figures were also present. The opening is part of the 2026 action plan, which aims to strengthen youth participation and enable young people to play an active role in their communities.

The centre was created in response to youth’s needs and aspirations. It gives them a safe, well-equipped space to develop their skills, share ideas and experiences, and work as a team. Here they can design and carry out community initiatives that reflect local priorities. The centre also reflects the close cooperation between SOS Children’s Villages Palestine and Halhul Municipality in supporting young people and their role in driving positive change.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ghada Hirzallah stressed the importance of safe spaces that respond to young people’s needs and aspirations. She said such spaces help them participate actively, think creatively, and build positive relationships within their community.

The centre is expected to become a lasting platform for learning, collaboration and initiatives. Young people will put the skills they have gained into practice and turn their ideas into concrete activities that make a difference in their community. Along the way, they will build a sense of responsibility and leadership, strengthen their ties with local institutions, and find wider opportunities to take part in developing their communities.

The ceremony included an interactive presentation, an open discussion, and contributions on the centre’s role in increasing youth participation, building young people’s skills, and opening new paths for learning, initiative and teamwork.