The initiative aims to build more equitable, inclusive, and educated communities across Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region through sport and values-based education.
Doha, Qatar: Thousands of vulnerable Palestinian children are set to benefit from an innovative sport-for-social-good programme delivered by Palestine: Sports for Life under the ‘Circle In’ initiative, co-funded by Qatar Foundation, Education Above All Foundation, and the International Olympic Committee.
‘Circle In’ harnesses the power of sport to create safe, inclusive spaces that support learning, healing, and personal growth. The first phase of Circle In Palestine will reach 1,250 children across schools and communities in the West Bank and Gaza, with a focus on girls, children with disabilities, refugees, and displaced children.
Through sport and play, participants will develop essential life skills and strengthen their psychosocial wellbeing, with the program set to expand to more communities in Palestine.
Circle In aims to build more equitable, inclusive, and educated communities across Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region through sport and values-based education. The initiative currently supports sport-for-development projects in 10 countries, aligning with the International Olympic Committee’s mission to build a better world through sport and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
With Unicef reporting that conflict has severely reduced access to education and safe play for hundreds of thousands of children in Palestine, Circle In Palestine is working closely with Palestine’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and local community organisations, Together, they aim to provide sport- and play-based opportunities that are vital for children’s mental health, emotional resilience, and ability to build social connections in crisis settings.
“Every child deserves – not just needs – the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive, regardless of their circumstances,” said Executive Director, Women’s and Girls’ Sports, QF Alanoud Al Mesnad. “In times of crisis and vulnerability, sport and play are essential for healing, resilience, belonging, and emotional wellbeing.
“Circle In reflects the shared belief of its partners, and the communities it serves, that children must have access to safe, supportive spaces that bring hope, create routine, and build trust and connection through sport and play. Bringing together children, teachers, families, and community members, Circle In symbolises inclusion, protection, and responsibility for the wellbeing and the future of our children.
“The launch of Circle In Palestine marks the moment this initiative moves from vision to genuine impact, as a long-term, sustainable commitment to children, educators, and societies. It is working hand-in-hand with Palestinian children, teachers, trainers, and their communities as active participants in shaping the opportunities and activities that bring the greatest benefit to them – recognising their strength and dignity in the most challenging, harrowing circumstances.”
