Support to the Culture and Free Thought Association (CFTA) 2012-2015

CFTA is a unique grassroots organisation that operates in an area of high poverty, political division, siege, and oppression trying to give space for citizens to express themselves and cope with the difficult circumstances.

Children, adolescents, youth and women have access to community development initiatives which promote and entrench the values of rights, equality and mutual engagement.

Children, teenagers, youth, women, with a special focus on marginalised and underprivileged groups in the Khan Younis area.

• HIV/AIDS awareness initiative implemented across the Gaza Strip despite the taboo of the topic.
• Participation of 600 young men and women in 2011 in CFTA blogging and leadership program.
• 520 children benefited from the educational program.
• Institutional capacity building: rotation of junior level position within the organisation and training of some staff.
• CFTA annual budget became more realistic, with room for further consolidation.

Expected results:  

• Debates on social issues are enhanced and are a basis for increased tolerance.
• Violence against women in targeted communities is reduced.
• 80 youth empowered to have a say within the community.
• CFTA internal management, including financial management, improved.

Results from previous phases:  

• HIV/AIDS awareness initiative implemented across the Gaza Strip despite the taboo of the topic.
• Participation of 600 young men and women in 2011 in CFTA blogging and leadership program.
• 520 children benefited from the educational program.
• Institutional capacity building: rotation of junior level position within the organisation and training of some staff.
• CFTA annual budget became more realistic, with room for further consolidation.

CFTA cooperates with a large variety of partners and within networks in the Gaza Strip as well as internationally, especially in joint advocacy efforts with civil society organisations in human rights, women’s issues, and culture.

In line with the SCO strategy of promoting solid and vibrant civil society organisations in Gaza that provide suitable platforms to citizens. Supportive of the forthcoming intervention promoting the participation of the citizens in the local authority’s policies and decisions.

Phase 6 15.12.2012 - 31.12.2015   (Completed)