World Cup Initiative for West Bank Children is a Success
In the sports hall at An-Najah National University in Nablus, children and youth, including children with disabilities, created an atmosphere filled with energy, joy, enthusiasm, and belonging. This was the final day of the initiative: ‘Every Child Has the Right to Play Safely’, which had been launched to bring the excitement surrounding the World Cup to all children in the West Bank, and reaffirm the rights of all children to safe play.
World Vision expresses its appreciation to its partners: the Palestinian Federation of Sport for All, An-Najah National University, Nablus Municipality, and everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative. All partners reaffirm the importance of providing safe and inclusive spaces that allow children to express themselves, build confidence, and experience safety and belonging, especially amid the difficult circumstances Palestinian children face today.
The initiative comes at a time when Palestinian children continue to face increasing psychosocial challenges due to unprecedented level of violence, growing economic hardship, daily stress, and the limited availability of safe spaces dedicated to sport and fun. Through this initiative, World Vision seeks to emphasise that play is a fundamental right for every child and an important tool that helps children express themselves, relieve stress, and strengthen their sense of safety, belonging, and hope. Safe-play spaces are essential protective environments for children, helping to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, promote positive social interaction, and support children's emotional well-being during times of crisis.
The tournament included:
15 boys’ teams
Four girls’ teams
More than 200 children and youth playing football
Around 50 children with disabilities from Na’neesh Institute and Art to Heart Organisation
Children with disabilities participated in the “Every Child Has the Right to Play Safely” initiative through joyful and inclusive activities that promoted belonging, confidence, and equal participation in safe play spaces.
Sports teams from the governorates of Nablus, Salfit, Jericho, Tubas, and Qalqilya also participated while families, partners, volunteers, and community representatives attended, cheering on the children.
Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas stressed the importance of providing safe and healthy spaces for children that guarantee their right to play and participate in sports activities, highlighting the importance of supporting initiatives that promote children’s mental and physical well-being and strengthen values of cooperation and belonging within society.
“We want to give hope to the future generation and encourage children and youth to continue pursuing their hobbies and dreams. Childhood means giving children and youth the opportunity to practice sports, express themselves, and feel safe,” he added.
Raffi Doudaklian, National Director of World Vision Jerusalem - West Bank, stated: “Children’s right to safe play is not a luxury; it is a fundamental need, especially under the difficult circumstances our children are experiencing today.”
Ashraf Isayed, Zonal Manager – Central West Bank for World Vision, added that “sports create spaces that bring children together and strengthen self-confidence, teamwork, and belonging. The World Cup starts here… from the dreams of our children.”
Afaf Abu Dayeh, Zonal Manager – North West Bank at World Vision, said “it is critical to ensure a full participation of girls and children with disabilities in sports and community activities, so all children feel engaged and included within their communities.”
Palestinian national team player and national coach Fahd Adnan Fouad Attal also emphasised the importance of providing safe spaces for children, saying: “Palestinian children have dreams and ambitions no less important than those of children anywhere else in the world.”
Children participating in the initiative also expressed their happiness in joining the tournament and activities, emphasising the importance of safe spaces where they can play freely and feel supported and encouraged.
One participating girl said: “When I play football, I feel comfortable and positive. I feel happy when I am in a place I love and where I can play safely.” A participating child with a disability added: “These spaces make us feel that we belong and that we can play and participate like everyone else.”
About the Partners
The Palestinian Federation of Sport for All works to promote inclusive sports and physical activities for all members of society, with a focus on encouraging participation, community engagement, and equal access to sports opportunities for children, youth, women, and persons with disabilities across Palestine.
An-Najah National University is one of the leading academic institutions in Palestine, committed to advancing education, community engagement, youth empowerment, and social development through academic, cultural, and community initiatives that support Palestinian society.
Nablus Municipality works to serve the community through the development of public services, community initiatives, and social and cultural programmes that contribute to improving quality of life and strengthening community resilience and engagement.