Long-Term Impact of Involvement in Peace Child Israel

An exploratory evaluation study

Prof. Helena Syna Desivilya, Amit Rottman and Dima Cna’an

Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel

October 2008

Executive Summary

Aim of the study

The study was designed to elucidate the long-term impact of participation in Peace Child Israel program on its alumni, underscoring the impact of its artistic component – the theatre.

Methods

The evaluation activities focused on the 20^th anniversary meeting of Peace Child Israel, held on June 26^th, 2008 at the Jerusalem Theatre.  400 alumni arrived at the reunion on 13 busses coming from as far north as Ma’a’lot and as far south as Beer Sheva.  The study was based on a qualitative approach, using focus groups and an open-ended survey distributed to the alumni and to the facilitators.

Research Participants

Fifty Jewish alumni and 63 Arab alumni filled out the open-ended questionnaires.  The Jewish focus group comprised 10 participants and the Arab focus group was composed of 11 participants. A vast majority of the alumni-respondents to the questionnaires and focus group participants were teenagers and young adults with a relatively limited life experiences following their participation in Peace Child Israel. 

Eight Jewish women filled out the facilitator's questionnaire.  In addition, the data of four focus groups conducted by the facilitators were analyzed.

Major Findings

1. Overall, the findings indicate positive legacies of the Peace Child program on its Jewish and Arab alumni.  The program provided an opportunity for Jewish and Arab youth for a genuine and direct personal encounter which led to the following positive outcomes in both groups:

(a)  they became familiar with a different narrative, culture and mentality

(b)  developed a broader perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

(c)  improved mutual inter-group images

(d)  learned acting and extended their knowledge and familiarity with a theatre

(e) enhanced their self-confidence and social competence

(f)   went through memorable experiences.  The theatre experience had a significant contribution to these positive effects.

2. The findings indicate some limitations of the program, such as difficulty in sustaining long-term inter-group contact, broadening the circles of influence of the program, and dealing with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and controversial issues.

Future Suggestions 

The Organization needs to address the issues of long-term contact, organizational growth and publicity.