08/01/2026
Another year has ended. And somehow, although Mona, her family and the other residents of Jenin Refugee Camp were expelled from their homes and Al Tafawk completely destroyed, the work of the children’s centre continues.
And today is a good day - it’s “Potato Day” - a tradition over the last weeks and months, on the day following the arrival of donations from the UK, potatoes are bought, cooked and served. The stove is used infrequently to cook food as fuel is very expensive. Olive oil too costs a lot of money. Potatoes are cut into small cubes, fried in olive oil, sprinkled with salt and served with bread and ketchup - a real treat for the staff and children.
But it is not all good news. Many of the children, and two of the teachers, attending Al Tafawk have contracted scabies. A nasty, intensely itchy rash caused by mites which burrow into the skin, passed on through skin contact and which should be treated quickly to stop it spreading. Family members who spend time in the prisons, contract scabies then bring the infestation with them on their release. Although in the Kindergarten the staff are doing their best to keep infected children away from others, this is very difficult to do. Mona has managed to buy some medication, but money does not go far.
The mothers are determined to give their little ones the best possible care, swapping clothes with neighbours so that the children always look well presented. And children surprise the teachers with their abilities and determination to please and work hard. There are now 5 year olds able to read simple English - the first year this has happened and Mona knows that with this ability comes power.
Mona has had to come to terms with the fact that she can only do her best, she cannot help everybody. She does what she can.
Al Tafawk is a symbol of resistance and hope for the future, and all those involved in the centre are thankful for every donation which has made the work possible. A new year begins - it’s a good day, it’s Potato Day!
