Gaza-The American Friends Service Committee (QUAKER) in association with studio Windows for contemporary art in Gaza, opened a gallery that exhibited the photographs of youngsters who participated in an internship organized by (QAUKER) and led by the American professional photographer Skip Schil during his last visit to Gaza.

The internship included nine youngsters who were nominated by several Palestinian non-profit organizations. The gallery featured five photos for each participant.

The photographers were Ban Al Ghussien, and Sharif Al-Sharif from PYLARA. Nadeen Faris and Fadwa Hassanien from Sharek Youth Forum. Ahmed Abu Zeiter and Khalid Al Helo from Al Assria Cultural Center for Children and Youth. Fidaa Abullah from Women’s Affairs Center.

The photos, which were taken by the young participants, displayed the daily life of the Palestinians.

Mrs.Amal Al-Sab’awi,the head of the QAUKER, gave a short speech in the presence of many of whom interested in and invited to the gallery.

She stressed on the importance of using the different means of media to prompt the issues of the people, in particular the youth. She also focused on photography as it had a significant role in exposing the Israeli misconducts during the assault on Gaza last January. Mrs, Sab’awi thanked the voluntary trainer Skip Schil for helping the Palestinian youth and organizing many events and activities in support of introducing the American public to the lives of Palestinians. Moreover, she expressed her appreciation for the galleries he frequently hosts. She also thanked the youth originations for supporting the idea of the internship. The head of QUAKER, called the youngsters to have advantage of the internship. She thanked studio Windows for contemporary arts in Gaza for hosting the exhibition as a starting point for the youth to keep up and encourage them to improve their talents and interests. She finally thanked the young participants whom were committed and determined to carry on with the event.

Before the opening of the gallery, Ban Al-Ghussein, one of the participants in the event, thanked the trainer Skip Schil for making time to teach, train and exchange his experience with them. She also expressed her gratitude for the QUAKER who sponsored and organized the internship and the event which she considered a real starting point toward proficiency. She added that it was a lovely experience that she and her colleagues enjoyed appreciating studio Windows for contemporary art in Gaza.

Finally, Dr. Mona Al-Farra, a social activist and art and culture enthusiast, expressed after touring the gallery that such event is of a big importance as there is a lack of cultural activities. She also thanked the all participants and sponsors.