Twinned Basketball Clubs
This project's parent organization is PeacePlayers International – Middle East
It operates in Israel
It uses Basketball
Shortlisted for the Sport for Conflict Resolution Award
More about Twinned Basketball Clubs
Since 2005, PeacePlayers International – Middle East has worked with over 5,500 Israeli and Palestinian youth ages 10 to 16, using the game of basketball to promote understanding, develop leaders and bring about genuine attitudinal transformations in a region divided by conflict. Participants are engaged in activities approximately three times per week, taking part in basketball trainings, life and leadership skills sessions and bi-communal practices and games.
Children begin the program at the age of 10, when they are paired with youth from communities on the other side of the divide. The partners come together regularly for a period of five years, enabling them to develop meaningful relationships. These interactions, mediated by American Fellows who serve as neutral role models, are facilitated through the use of a groundbreaking peace-building curriculum designed specifically for the basketball court.
At 16 years old, outstanding participants join the Leadership Development Program, which grooms veteran PeacePlayers to become the program's leaders. In the West Bank, PPI – ME provides a constructive outlet for refugee and at-risk youth, as well as professional development for Palestinian coaches. This emphasis on capacity building ensures that future interactions will be sustainable, the ultimate goal of all PPI – ME activities.