Ghirass Cultural Center was invited by Bethlehem Link to visit the U.K as part of the Cultural Exchange Program between the two partners. This trip was the fifth one to take place in the exchange.
After processing all the necessary documentation and dealing with the difficulties caused by Israel occupation, the trip began on 16 of June 2009, traveling via Jordan to the U.K. The UK visit took place from June 19 until July 5.
The trip included performances of Palestinian folklore (Dabkha dancing, singing and drumming) by the Hakaya group, as well as an Art Exhibition of work by the children of Ghirass Cultural Center. The group visited Bath, Leicester, Bristol and London during their stay.
Friends of Ghirass in Leicester hosted the first week the group and it was a great opportunity to take part in different activities and integrate with English students in different schools such as City of Leicester College, Rothley Primary School, English Martyr's School, and Medway Primary School.
In Bath and Bristol, the group performed in St. Gregory's School and City Academy in Bristol.
In London the group was hosted by Sacred Heart High School (SHHS)Sacred Heart High School (SHHS)
During the week in London both the Hakaya dancers and children from Sacred Heart High School (SHHS) shared several activities and trips. Hakaya group gave several performances in several schools such as Ravenor School and St. Edward's School, Oxford in addition to performances in Bloomsbury Theatre gave a performance in The Palestinian Annual Cultural Festival in cooperation with the Association of the Palestinian community.
and a performance Mint Leaf Restaurant
Both Hakaya group and the students from Hakaya group and students from Sacred Heart High School had the chance to visit the science museum and the natural museum the Hyde Park. Where they spent a week hosted by families from Sacred Heart High School.
There was considerable media coverage of the visit in all three cities and it was an opportunity to present a more positive image of Palestinian culture than is usual in the West.
A20 persons shared on this trip 16 children age between 12-14 years and four adults (Leader, musician and two supervisors)
At the end of the visit, the group returned to Palestine through Jordan, feeling happy and proud of their achievements.
I believe the most important benefit of the trip to England is the actual achievement in making the trip itself in very challenging circumstances. It proves that inside us the will to live, as Palestinians, is very strong. We want to continue our lives in as normal as possible, despite the disastrous situation in which we are living. This was important to the parents, children and to everyone, myself included. It proves to us that we can do many things and achieve many goals if we work hard, so we have to continue.
