The name Ibda'a (إبداع) means "creativity" or "creating something out of nothing" — the very spirit that defines our identity.
Ibda'a was established with the vision of creating space for Palestinian children to reclaim their lost childhood. With over 15,000 residents living in less than half a square kilometer, Dheisheh Refugee Camp offers no recreational or cultural facilities for children. Ibda'a emerged to fill this gap — offering a place where children can grow, dream, and express themselves. Through sports, music, folklore, and creative programs, we aim to nurture generations capable of shaping change.
Ibda'a Cultural Center is a grassroots, non-governmental organization based in Dheisheh Refugee Camp, located in the occupied Palestinian territory. Since our founding in 1994, Ibda'a has served over 2,000 children, youth, women, and men annually, while also providing employment and income opportunities to local families.
Our mission is to cultivate a positive and empowering environment within the camp by supporting residents in developing their creative and leadership skills. This is achieved through a wide range of social, cultural, and educational programs.
We believe that by empowering the most vulnerable groups in our community—through training in diverse fields—we create opportunities for Palestinian refugees to regain their sense of agency and actively contribute to addressing collective needs and challenges. In doing so, Ibda'a fosters a culture of democracy, inclusion, and respect, free from all forms of discrimination and bias.
Over the years, Ibda'a has grown to become one of the most successful community-based organizations in Palestine, recognized for its deep impact and resilient spirit.
Milestones in the Journey of Ibda’a Cultural Center
Since its inception, Ibda’a Cultural Center has left a unique mark on the cultural and social landscape of Palestine. Based in Dheisheh Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, the center has blended art, education, sports, and community empowerment to create a pioneering model of grassroots work within refugee camps.
Palestine’s Young Ambassadors to the World
Due to the frequent international travel and participation of Ibda’a’s children and youth in global programs, the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat referred to them as “Palestine’s Ambassadors.” Through art and cultural expression, these young individuals have carried the voice of the refugee to the world, embodying resilience and hope.
Recognitions and Awards
-Voted Most Active Organization in Palestine (West Bank & Gaza) in 2006 by Al-Hayat Newspaper.
-Received First Place in a 2020 survey conducted in Gaza for the most dynamic Palestinian organization.
-Nominated by Olof Palme Foundation (Sweden) for a prestigious international award for its humanitarian and cultural work.
International Artistic and Cultural Presence
The Ibda’a Folklore Dance Troupe has delivered powerful performances on prestigious international stages, including:
-The United Nations General Assembly – New York.
-The World Council of Churches – Washington, D.C..
-Native American Heritage Festival on Alcatraz Island – USA (1999).
-First Place Award at the Capital of Arab Culture Festival – Algeria, competing among 18 Asian and African troupes.
-Participation in leading Arab festivals including Jerash, Al-Fuheis (Jordan), and Babylon Festival (Iraq).
-During the 1999 Refugee Conference in New York, renowned Palestinian scholar Edward Said described Ibda’a as:
“The best representation of Palestinian refugees.”
Community-Based Initiatives
Ibda’a has consistently led innovative, impactful community programs:
-Established the first guesthouse in any Palestinian refugee camp, accommodating up to 40 guests, welcoming international volunteers and delegations.
-Launched the first refugee-camp-based community radio station, which ran for a year before being shut down due to lack of licensing.
-Created the first women’s basketball and volleyball teams in Palestinian refugee camps across the Middle East.
-Due to its extensive international outreach, Ibda’a is often referred to as the “Foreign Ministry of the Refugee Camps.”
Health and Humanitarian Services
-In partnership with a Korean foundation and the Arab Society in Beit Jala, Ibda’a facilitated over 100 free surgeries for underprivileged patients.
-Distributed hundreds of medical devices and supplies to families in need, and coordinated treatment abroad for critical cases.
-Established a Diabetes Club, providing essential medical supplies and services.
-Sponsored over 100 diabetic patients from low-income families to perform Umrah pilgrimage.
Education and Empowerment
-Sponsored advanced degree scholarships to the U.S., Germany, and the U.K.
-Provides tuition support and local university scholarships for dozens of students each year.
-Participated in international youth camps in France, Hungary, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Morocco, and Tunisia.
-Hosts more than 4 annual summer camps for local youth.
-Welcomes daily visits from international delegations, offering curated programs including home visits to families of martyrs and prisoners, and meetings with local political and social leaders.
Sports: Fields of Excellence
-The Ibda’a Men's Basketball Team is known as “The Champions Team,” dominating national championships for years despite being a relatively new team.
-The Ibda’a Women’s Volleyball Team has held the national championship title since 1995 without losing first place.
-Hosts training camps for Palestinian national teams in basketball, soccer, and volleyball, providing accommodation and meals.
-Operates a dedicated transportation bus, used for cultural and athletic delegations and events.
Global Partnerships
-Maintains long-term partnerships and twinning agreements with organizations across Sweden, Belgium, France, the U.S., Korea, and beyond.
-Led a major development project titled “Tawasul”, funded by the Bill Gates Foundation and supervised by Catholic Relief Services, to help develop 13 Palestinian organizations in the West Bank by replicating Ibda’a’s model.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
-Operates a successful embroidery project, employing more than 40 women from the camp, preserving Palestinian heritage and supporting household incomes.
Staff and Operations
-The center maintains a professional team of 25–40 full-time staff, including administrators, coaches, program managers, and educators.
Ibda’a Facilities
Ibda’a Cultural Center offers a range of fully equipped facilities that support its cultural, artistic, educational, and community initiatives. These spaces help create a vibrant environment for local youth, guests, and international partners.
Ibda’a Restaurant
A spacious and welcoming on-site restaurant with a capacity of up to 100 people, serving guests, delegations, and participants in the center’s various programs. It also serves as a space for cultural exchange and community events.
Multipurpose Halls
The center includes several fully equipped halls, with professional sound and lighting systems. These are used for workshops, performances, trainings, meetings, and educational activities.
Guest house
A dedicated guesthouse accommodating up to 40 beds, designed to host international volunteers and visiting delegations. It is one of the first facilities of its kind in Palestinian refugee camps.
Transportation Bus
Ibda’a owns a private bus that supports transportation for artistic and sports teams, enabling smooth participation in events both locally and internationally.
Gardens (Indoor & Outdoor)
The center features well-maintained internal and external garden areas, offering a safe and engaging space for environmental, recreational, and educational activities.
Adjacent Land (3 Dunums)
Ibda’a owns a 3-dunum plot of land adjacent to the camp, offering potential for future expansion and development of the center’s infrastructure and programs.
Future Projects
As part of its ongoing development strategy, Ibda’a Cultural Center is planning several future projects aimed at enhancing its services, expanding opportunities, and meeting the growing needs of its community.
Productive Kitchen Project
Ibda’a aims to establish a modern, fully equipped kitchen to support food preparation, dessert production, and hospitality services. This initiative will create new job opportunities and help develop practical skills among participants, especially women and youth.
Sports Hall & Recreational Swimming Pool
With access to a 3-dunum plot of land adjacent to the camp, Ibda’a plans to build a modern, multi-purpose sports facility. It will feature state-of-the-art equipment and a recreational swimming pool, offering a healthy, safe space for all age groups to engage in physical activity.
Multi-Purpose Rooftop Space
To make the most of the new building’s rooftop, the center plans to design a modern, multi-functional outdoor area. This space will host various events, serve as a relaxing lounge, and be equipped with suitable
Elevator for Main Building
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Ibda’a intends to install an elevator in the main building to ensure easy mobility between floors. This upgrade will better serve visitors, the elderly, and people with disabilities—while improving overall comfort for staff and guests.
Additional Floor in the Main Building
Due to increasing demand on existing space, the center is seriously considering the construction of a fifth floor in the main building. This expansion—pending funding and donor support—would relieve current space constraints and enable Ibda’a to better accommodate its growing range of activities and programs.
