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Palestinian television in general is focused
on news, on the political situation, and
tends to have very little that is even
suitable for children let alone actually
stimulating and inspiring for them.
Nevertheless, many children do not have safe
places to play and end up spending large
amounts of time watching television.
What is more, children in Palestine are very
limited in their access to the rich
experience that childhood can offer. They
are exposed to the impact of many forms of
violence as a result of the ongoing conflict
and to all that brings with it in terms of
trauma, fear, violent role-models and
hopelessness. Many of them hardly know their
own country due to the extreme restrictions
on movement, and they have even less idea
about the rest of the world and the wealth
of possibilities that exist.
The AQTV helps to fill the void by providing
a combination of locally produced programmes
especially for Palestinian children. For
very small children we work closely with
Sesame Workshop, with the Palestinian
muppets, Haneen and Kareem, whose much-loved
programmes encourage sharing and
cooperation, respect for the self and for
others, and develop cognitive skills along
with a love of learning and life.
Also for small children our local
Palestinian actor, Yakoub Abu Arafeh brings
creativity and appreciation of reading.
Palestinian youth are even worse o than
youth in general, as they feel; even more
the impact of the frustration of the
conflict and the lack of freedom. Many
believe they have nothing they can do at all
with their time. |
