“Children’s Rights and Citizenship” is the theme of the 2009 Bright Stars Summer Academy, which will welcome 150 children and youth aged 4-14 for 4 weeks this summer.  Taking place from June 22 – July 24 this year, the Summer Academy will focus on teaching children how to use their talents in areas like drama, drawing, animation, music, and journalism to advocate for children’s rights and engage as active citizens of Palestine.  They will visit the Dheisheh refugee camp, the Battir village outside Bethlehem, and the SOS Children’s Village orphanage, to meet children in these places and exchange ideas on how to make their voices heard in their communities.

The Summer Academy this year will be held in cooperation with Defence for Children International (DCI), who will provide training and lead activities during the 4 weeks.  Also participating in the Academy are several Danish musicians and actors who will be in town for the Danish Cultural Week happening at Dar Annadwa, and a number of local and international volunteers.

The Bright Stars Summer Academy is the only summer camp in Bethlehem that focuses on helping children discover their talents and actively use their skills to improve their lives at school, at home, and in their community.  Click here to support the Bright Stars Program, which makes a difference in over 500 Bethlehem-area children through its extra-curricular clubs and the Summer Academy.