“Children owning the language” : the hands up project in Palestine

Abstract

Enabling children to harness their creativity can significantly enhance their ability to communicate in a foreign language and empower them to express their voices. This article, based on an in-depth interview with Nick Bilbrough, founder and artistic coordinator of The Hands Up Project (HUP), explores how the organization’s creative work in Palestine fosters language learning and emotional growth. Founded in 2016, HUP uses storytelling, remote theatre, and creative writing to engage Palestinian children, helping them to build confidence, develop communication skills, and experience a sense of ownership over the English language. Despite the exam-driven educational system in Palestine, HUP offers a valuable outlet for creativity, supporting children’s psychosocial wellbeing and language learning. In light of ongoing violence in Gaza, the project’s work has gained even greater significance, emphasizing the need to amplify the voices of children living in conflict zones. This article highlights HUP’s role in blending creativity, education, and activism to create meaningful opportunities for Palestinian children.