Middle East Children Association

Groups

The Middle East Children’s Association (MECA) was established in 1996 jointly by Israeli and Palestinian educators who seek to address the complexity of the reality in which the Palestinians and Israelis live, through developing direct communication skills, tolerance and mutual respect. While policy makers decide on borders, water supplies, and security measures, the civil society has the responsibility for promoting mutual respect to encourage a solid, lasting and just peace between peoples. MECA was created as a response to this obligation by focusing on the education systems of the two communities. MECA works with leaders in the educational systems, teachers, and students, and provides them with a time and a place to explore tolerance, difference, human rights, democracy, and mutual respect. As the social and political situation continues to change, MECA works to support the educational community, challenging it to promote mutual respect and recognition while in the midst of violence and uncertainty. There is a pressing need to introduce these positive values to a new generation of children, starting at an early age. In this way, peace can be rooted in the youth of Palestinian and Israeli communities, the students of today.

 MECA is concerned about the wellbeing of the Israelis and Palestinians in the region and tries to promote this through investing in the educational systems. MECA believes in the importance of building a basis for peace in children, and working within the educational systems that currently exist. For approximately seven years, MECA has been working with Palestinian and Israeli teachers and students, providing them with an opportunity to create an open dialogue between the two societies.  

Joint facilitators excursion at the

Alps mountains