In an atmosphere of warmth and active youth participation, SOS Children’s Village Bethlehem held the “From the Heart of the Village” initiative on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Children and young people led the initiative, in cooperation with the National Ombudsperson and with support from the care staff of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine.

The initiative brought together children, young people and village staff. During the gathering, the children showed their love and appreciation for the care they receive by preparing a variety of dishes and sweets themselves and serving them to the guests.

Mrs. Ghada Hirzallah, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine, opened the gathering. She encouraged the children to keep taking part in initiatives like this one. She said such initiatives show how much the children value the care and support their caregivers give them every day, and that they understand the effort their caregivers make for them. The girl who led the initiative then gave a speech about the importance of the initiative to her and the other children.

The initiative is part of a broader goal the children are working toward with the National Ombudsperson. It comes from the belief that children should take an active part in child-centred initiatives and activities at every stage, from planning to implementation. The children planned the event, divided the tasks among themselves, prepared the dishes and sweets, and welcomed the guests. The experience gave them a real role, and through it they learned about taking initiative, taking responsibility, involving others and working as a team. This initiative is the first in a series of initiatives the children will lead.

The gathering reflected a long-standing Palestinian tradition of sharing food, exchanging love and gratitude, and honoring everyone who gives care and support.