Aspiring Fulfilment in the Camps

In this mixed method study Palestinian adolescent refugees reflected on their aspirations and the possibilities and constraints to achieve them within their environment. The mixed method approach chosen provided enriching data. In addition, the use of participatory video proved to be valuable as an empowering tool for the participants. The findings showed - based on the concepts of human security, wellbeing, needs and fulfilment - that the participants showed all dimensions of wellbeing and needs in their aspirations. Behavior towards human fulfillment - assumed to be the aim of human development was found among focus group participants even though their safety needs were not met. Besides the conflict, social pressure proved to be the most important constraint for the adolescents. Notably, they indicated their possibilities to lie dominantly in their own capacities and agency. These findings show that local NGOs without the power to change the institutional environment have the possibility to enhance the wellbeing of the teenagers through stimulating their potential agency and coaching them to negotiate their aspirations within their environment.

Autorentext

Ms. Mirthe Biemans published previously on participatory methods as a tool for development and empowerment. This book was her final work for her degree at the Graduate School for Social Sciences in Amsterdam. Furthermore, she developed and directed nation-wide participatory youth empowerment and conflict mediation programs in Israel and Palestine.