United by the mission and strategy of YMCA Vision 2030, YMCAs worldwide make a difference every day. From equipping young people and communities with skills for employment to supporting refugees, improving physical and mental health and developing innovative ways to protect our planet, our Movement is driving change.
We highlighted eight inspiring films showcasing this work at the YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa, Kenya, held 21-25 October 2024.
We’ll share these films with you over the coming weeks. Here, we feature the Olive Tree Campaign; click here to see last week’s feature, Youth Justice III.
Olive Tree Campaign
Pillars: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, Just World
YMCAs: The East Jerusalem YMCA
Project summary: Funded by YMCAs and individuals worldwide, in the last 20 years the Olive Tree Campaign (OTC) of The East Jerusalem YMCA and the Joint Advocacy Initiative has planted over 400,000 trees in the West Bank.
As well as helping farmers remain steadfast and resilient in their lands, the project has allowed YMCA volunteers from around the world to support the planting and act as ambassadors for peace.
Key project features: The Olive Tree Campaign has significantly impacted Palestinian communities through:
- Economic benefits: Providing olive tree saplings increases income for families through the sale of olives and olive oil. 46,825 trees distributed boosted the economic resilience of 700 families (3,500 individuals) in 2022-2023.
- Environmental conservation: Olive trees prevent soil erosion and support biodiversity. The OTC’s planting of 46,825 trees restores land and improves the region’s environmental health using climate-appropriate native species.
- Social solidarity: The OTC demonstrates international support for Palestinian communities, with 25,493 sponsors from 10 countries.
- Cultural preservation: Protecting and replanting olive trees, a symbol of Palestinian resilience and heritage.
- Educational opportunities: Programs like olive picking and tree planting educate both Palestinians and international participants, raising awareness and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
In their words: “The olive tree is essential in my life, in all our lives. It’s an essential food, and we can’t do without it”.