Girls demonstrated the importance of exercising their rights by performing in a play in the village of Bani Naim, 40 km south of Jerusalem, as part of a World Vision supported child protection project in East Hebron. Members of the cast, ages 14 to 16, said they felt more empowered, less shy and more likely to stand up to wrong attitudes as a result of their participation in the play.

Parents, peers, teachers and representatives from the Palestinian Ministry of Education attended the performance on 2 December.

The play focused on a battle between White and Black teams, symbolizing the girls' battle against dark thoughts that hold them back from their full potential, said Fareed Elrai, director of the play. Through their participation, the girls learned they ultimately had to challenge themselves to do their part to break the limitations on their futures.

'It was important for me to play a black team member, in order to explain how parents and adults can sometimes be oppressive. But eventually, hope will win over despair,' said Fatima, 14.

'Performing the play has given all of us more courage to face things and not to give into difficult situations,' said Bara'ah, 16.

'The girls were transformed throughout the three months of intensive rehearsal,' Elrai said.

'I was very impressed with the girls, who have set a high example among their peers and proved that that they are able to affect change in their society,' said Naela Abu Samra, World Vision's East Hebron Area Development Program Manager.

World Vision has worked in the village of Bani Naim since 2001 and has supported a community center, a special education school, and agricultural projects there.