Global Funds For Social Change
Paul Michelman speaks with Bill Drayton about social entrepreneurship and the future of the private sector
Abdel Fattah Abu-Srour
This profile was prepared when Abdel Fattah Abu-Srour was elected to the Ashoka Fellowship in 2006.
Abdel Fattah combats violence among children, teaching them to become promoters of peace. Abdel Fattah’s childhood, like that of many children in Palestine’s refugee camps, exposed him to violence daily. Unlike other children, Abdel Fattah found solace and expression in writing and performing short plays with his friends. Now Abdel Fattah targets children in refugee camps with programs promoting activities such as sports, arts, and theater to offer children alternative means of self-expression. He uses these activities to teach acceptance of others and non-violent communication. Abdel Fattah complements these programs by training parents and community members in non-violent resistance. He has gained worldwide support for his programs by touring internationally with his children’s theater group.