The Hands up Project
@handsupproject.bsky.social
Storytelling, intercultural learning, remote theatre and much more with Palestinian children
✨ Moments from our learning journey with Juha at the Bakery ✨
Together, we explored the story through fun and thoughtful activities
💫 Happy New Year to our HUP family. May 2026 bring hope, healing, and renewal after all we have been through.
With Miss Majd and her wonderful students 💛
Together, we explored the story through fun and thoughtful activities
💫 Happy New Year to our HUP family. May 2026 bring hope, healing, and renewal after all we have been through.
With Miss Majd and her wonderful students 💛
January 6, 2026 at 1:51 PM
✨ Moments from our learning journey with Juha at the Bakery ✨
Together, we explored the story through fun and thoughtful activities
💫 Happy New Year to our HUP family. May 2026 bring hope, healing, and renewal after all we have been through.
With Miss Majd and her wonderful students 💛
Together, we explored the story through fun and thoughtful activities
💫 Happy New Year to our HUP family. May 2026 bring hope, healing, and renewal after all we have been through.
With Miss Majd and her wonderful students 💛
✨ Where Are They Now? — Hala Aqel ✨
Hala Aqel was part of Hands Up Project online intercultural link-ups from Gaza and performed in several plays, including See Something, Say Something, recorded live during the pandemic.
🎥 Watch here:
www.handsupproject.org/where-are-th...
Hala Aqel was part of Hands Up Project online intercultural link-ups from Gaza and performed in several plays, including See Something, Say Something, recorded live during the pandemic.
🎥 Watch here:
www.handsupproject.org/where-are-th...
Hala Aqel — The Hands Up Project
Hala Aqel used to take part in Hands up Project online intercultural link ups through her teacher in Gaza, Amal Mukhairez and different remote volunteers around the world. She also acted in various Ha...
www.handsupproject.org
January 3, 2026 at 4:50 PM
✨ Where Are They Now? — Hala Aqel ✨
Hala Aqel was part of Hands Up Project online intercultural link-ups from Gaza and performed in several plays, including See Something, Say Something, recorded live during the pandemic.
🎥 Watch here:
www.handsupproject.org/where-are-th...
Hala Aqel was part of Hands Up Project online intercultural link-ups from Gaza and performed in several plays, including See Something, Say Something, recorded live during the pandemic.
🎥 Watch here:
www.handsupproject.org/where-are-th...
👋📖 Saying goodbye to our first story: “The Hare and the Tortoise” 🐢🐇
A wonderful learning experience with Mr. Mohammed and his students — proving that learning never stops, no matter the weather 💪📚
A wonderful learning experience with Mr. Mohammed and his students — proving that learning never stops, no matter the weather 💪📚
January 2, 2026 at 10:29 PM
👋📖 Saying goodbye to our first story: “The Hare and the Tortoise” 🐢🐇
A wonderful learning experience with Mr. Mohammed and his students — proving that learning never stops, no matter the weather 💪📚
A wonderful learning experience with Mr. Mohammed and his students — proving that learning never stops, no matter the weather 💪📚
📘 New on the Hands Up Project Blog!
Explore how bilingual books make language learning fun and meaningful for children — combining culture, creativity, and confidence through stories in two languages. 🌍✨
👉 www.handsupproject.org/blog-hup/lea...
Explore how bilingual books make language learning fun and meaningful for children — combining culture, creativity, and confidence through stories in two languages. 🌍✨
👉 www.handsupproject.org/blog-hup/lea...
Learning language through bi-lingual books — The Hands Up Project
There was once a time when the use of the mother tongue (L1) was generally frowned upon in the teaching and learning of a foreign language. I think that’s no longer the case in many contexts around th...
www.handsupproject.org
January 2, 2026 at 1:04 PM
📘 New on the Hands Up Project Blog!
Explore how bilingual books make language learning fun and meaningful for children — combining culture, creativity, and confidence through stories in two languages. 🌍✨
👉 www.handsupproject.org/blog-hup/lea...
Explore how bilingual books make language learning fun and meaningful for children — combining culture, creativity, and confidence through stories in two languages. 🌍✨
👉 www.handsupproject.org/blog-hup/lea...
🎁✨ Meaningful gifts that make a difference
Explore the Hands Up Project’s special collections:
🎭 Theatre Collection
📜 Poetry Collection
Shop & support here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
Explore the Hands Up Project’s special collections:
🎭 Theatre Collection
📜 Poetry Collection
Shop & support here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
January 1, 2026 at 4:42 PM
🎁✨ Meaningful gifts that make a difference
Explore the Hands Up Project’s special collections:
🎭 Theatre Collection
📜 Poetry Collection
Shop & support here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
Explore the Hands Up Project’s special collections:
🎭 Theatre Collection
📜 Poetry Collection
Shop & support here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
www.handsupproject.org/shop/special...
✨ New Year vibes at Hands Up Cairo! ✨
Our school was filled with joy, hope, and celebration as we welcomed the New Year together.
A big thank you to Marah and Lama, who spoke so beautifully on behalf of the school and shared the voices and feelings of our community. 💛
Our school was filled with joy, hope, and celebration as we welcomed the New Year together.
A big thank you to Marah and Lama, who spoke so beautifully on behalf of the school and shared the voices and feelings of our community. 💛
January 1, 2026 at 1:48 PM
✨ New Year vibes at Hands Up Cairo! ✨
Our school was filled with joy, hope, and celebration as we welcomed the New Year together.
A big thank you to Marah and Lama, who spoke so beautifully on behalf of the school and shared the voices and feelings of our community. 💛
Our school was filled with joy, hope, and celebration as we welcomed the New Year together.
A big thank you to Marah and Lama, who spoke so beautifully on behalf of the school and shared the voices and feelings of our community. 💛
Despite the heavy rain and bad weather in Gaza, I thought no one would make it to class today—but my students surprised me. 🌧️💛
They came with smiles and spent a wonderful time sharing their dream jobs and hopes for the future.
✨
With Miss Hana and her amazing students.
They came with smiles and spent a wonderful time sharing their dream jobs and hopes for the future.
✨
With Miss Hana and her amazing students.
December 31, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Despite the heavy rain and bad weather in Gaza, I thought no one would make it to class today—but my students surprised me. 🌧️💛
They came with smiles and spent a wonderful time sharing their dream jobs and hopes for the future.
✨
With Miss Hana and her amazing students.
They came with smiles and spent a wonderful time sharing their dream jobs and hopes for the future.
✨
With Miss Hana and her amazing students.
✨ A look back at 2025 at Hands Up Cairo School ✨
This video brings together some of the many moments, lessons, and activities we shared throughout the year — from classrooms full of learning to creativity, teamwork, and joy.
This video brings together some of the many moments, lessons, and activities we shared throughout the year — from classrooms full of learning to creativity, teamwork, and joy.
December 30, 2025 at 4:35 PM
✨ A look back at 2025 at Hands Up Cairo School ✨
This video brings together some of the many moments, lessons, and activities we shared throughout the year — from classrooms full of learning to creativity, teamwork, and joy.
This video brings together some of the many moments, lessons, and activities we shared throughout the year — from classrooms full of learning to creativity, teamwork, and joy.
🎭🇵🇸 Bring Welcome to Gaza to Cairo!
So far, we’ve raised £500, but we still need £5,000 to bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo.
👉 Support here: www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Let’s make it happen — together.
So far, we’ve raised £500, but we still need £5,000 to bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo.
👉 Support here: www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Let’s make it happen — together.
Bring 'Welcome to Gaza' to Cairo!
Help Nicholas Bilbrough raise money to support The Hands Up Project (HUP)
www.justgiving.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:26 PM
🎭🇵🇸 Bring Welcome to Gaza to Cairo!
So far, we’ve raised £500, but we still need £5,000 to bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo.
👉 Support here: www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Let’s make it happen — together.
So far, we’ve raised £500, but we still need £5,000 to bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo.
👉 Support here: www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Let’s make it happen — together.
Some lovely moments at the Hands Up Project Cairo 🌟
From engaging maths classes with Mr Mohammed, to foundation sessions for our youngest learners with Miss Duaa, and English speaking skills developed through team teaching with Miss Afnan and our wonderful Italian volunteer, Elena.
From engaging maths classes with Mr Mohammed, to foundation sessions for our youngest learners with Miss Duaa, and English speaking skills developed through team teaching with Miss Afnan and our wonderful Italian volunteer, Elena.
December 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Some lovely moments at the Hands Up Project Cairo 🌟
From engaging maths classes with Mr Mohammed, to foundation sessions for our youngest learners with Miss Duaa, and English speaking skills developed through team teaching with Miss Afnan and our wonderful Italian volunteer, Elena.
From engaging maths classes with Mr Mohammed, to foundation sessions for our youngest learners with Miss Duaa, and English speaking skills developed through team teaching with Miss Afnan and our wonderful Italian volunteer, Elena.
✨ The Story of Al Shater Hassan 👸👰♂️🤵
A fun and interactive session where students explored the story.
A joyful learning experience with Miss Wafaa and her students 🌟
A fun and interactive session where students explored the story.
A joyful learning experience with Miss Wafaa and her students 🌟
December 29, 2025 at 1:43 PM
✨ The Story of Al Shater Hassan 👸👰♂️🤵
A fun and interactive session where students explored the story.
A joyful learning experience with Miss Wafaa and her students 🌟
A fun and interactive session where students explored the story.
A joyful learning experience with Miss Wafaa and her students 🌟
Daily Update | Art from Rubble – by Nada 🏚️🎨
With deep faith that art knows no borders, I carried out a New Year greeting activity in a creative and hopeful way—despite all distances and barriers. 💫
The activity reached children in more than five different locations.
With deep faith that art knows no borders, I carried out a New Year greeting activity in a creative and hopeful way—despite all distances and barriers. 💫
The activity reached children in more than five different locations.
December 28, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Daily Update | Art from Rubble – by Nada 🏚️🎨
With deep faith that art knows no borders, I carried out a New Year greeting activity in a creative and hopeful way—despite all distances and barriers. 💫
The activity reached children in more than five different locations.
With deep faith that art knows no borders, I carried out a New Year greeting activity in a creative and hopeful way—despite all distances and barriers. 💫
The activity reached children in more than five different locations.
As usual, we keep learning fun and fresh every week! 🌟
This week, Miss Majd and her students explored “The Ant and the Grasshopper” through engaging activities
This week, Miss Majd and her students explored “The Ant and the Grasshopper” through engaging activities
December 27, 2025 at 1:03 PM
As usual, we keep learning fun and fresh every week! 🌟
This week, Miss Majd and her students explored “The Ant and the Grasshopper” through engaging activities
This week, Miss Majd and her students explored “The Ant and the Grasshopper” through engaging activities
🎄📘 Looking for a meaningful last-minute Christmas gift?
Our latest Hands Up Project book is perfect for Spanish speakers or Spanish learners ✨
A beautiful, bilingual collection that celebrates young voices and creativity.
👉 Get your copy here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/luna-di...
Our latest Hands Up Project book is perfect for Spanish speakers or Spanish learners ✨
A beautiful, bilingual collection that celebrates young voices and creativity.
👉 Get your copy here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/luna-di...
Luna, dime la verdad. Moon tell me truth, en español. — The Hands Up Project
Para nuestro concurso de poesía de 2023 invitamos a gente joven de todo el mundo a escribir a mano y decorar un poema que tuviese hasta cincuenta palabras inspirados por uno de estos dos dibujos. Se ...
www.handsupproject.org
December 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM
🎄📘 Looking for a meaningful last-minute Christmas gift?
Our latest Hands Up Project book is perfect for Spanish speakers or Spanish learners ✨
A beautiful, bilingual collection that celebrates young voices and creativity.
👉 Get your copy here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/luna-di...
Our latest Hands Up Project book is perfect for Spanish speakers or Spanish learners ✨
A beautiful, bilingual collection that celebrates young voices and creativity.
👉 Get your copy here:
www.handsupproject.org/shop/luna-di...
📢 Hands Up Project Poetry Workshop ✍️🎨
Join us for an inspiring online poetry workshop introducing the Hands Up Project Poetry Competition 2026.
🗓 Date: 14th January
🔗 Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Join us for an inspiring online poetry workshop introducing the Hands Up Project Poetry Competition 2026.
🗓 Date: 14th January
🔗 Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
December 26, 2025 at 11:55 AM
📢 Hands Up Project Poetry Workshop ✍️🎨
Join us for an inspiring online poetry workshop introducing the Hands Up Project Poetry Competition 2026.
🗓 Date: 14th January
🔗 Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Join us for an inspiring online poetry workshop introducing the Hands Up Project Poetry Competition 2026.
🗓 Date: 14th January
🔗 Register here: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
🎄✨ Spreading Christmas joy from our Cairo space to all our Christian friends and family around the world!
Our wonderful students wanted to share the happiness of the season with a short, heartfelt play a little gesture of respect and love for our Christian brothers and sisters.
Our wonderful students wanted to share the happiness of the season with a short, heartfelt play a little gesture of respect and love for our Christian brothers and sisters.
December 25, 2025 at 11:43 PM
🎄✨ Spreading Christmas joy from our Cairo space to all our Christian friends and family around the world!
Our wonderful students wanted to share the happiness of the season with a short, heartfelt play a little gesture of respect and love for our Christian brothers and sisters.
Our wonderful students wanted to share the happiness of the season with a short, heartfelt play a little gesture of respect and love for our Christian brothers and sisters.
🎨 Daily Update | Art from Rubble 💕🎄
Nada led a special Christmas art session at the Latin Church in Gaza City, sharing joy, hope, and creativity with children. 🖍✨
With thanks to Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, Mr. George Anton & Mr. Issa Anton.
Supported by The Hands Up Project 🤍
Nada led a special Christmas art session at the Latin Church in Gaza City, sharing joy, hope, and creativity with children. 🖍✨
With thanks to Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, Mr. George Anton & Mr. Issa Anton.
Supported by The Hands Up Project 🤍
December 25, 2025 at 11:56 AM
🎨 Daily Update | Art from Rubble 💕🎄
Nada led a special Christmas art session at the Latin Church in Gaza City, sharing joy, hope, and creativity with children. 🖍✨
With thanks to Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, Mr. George Anton & Mr. Issa Anton.
Supported by The Hands Up Project 🤍
Nada led a special Christmas art session at the Latin Church in Gaza City, sharing joy, hope, and creativity with children. 🖍✨
With thanks to Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, Mr. George Anton & Mr. Issa Anton.
Supported by The Hands Up Project 🤍
🐢🐇 The Hare and the Tortoise
This week, students explored the classic story through thoughtful and interactive activities that built confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills
A powerful session with Mr Mohammed and his students 🌟
This week, students explored the classic story through thoughtful and interactive activities that built confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills
A powerful session with Mr Mohammed and his students 🌟
December 24, 2025 at 10:16 PM
🐢🐇 The Hare and the Tortoise
This week, students explored the classic story through thoughtful and interactive activities that built confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills
A powerful session with Mr Mohammed and his students 🌟
This week, students explored the classic story through thoughtful and interactive activities that built confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills
A powerful session with Mr Mohammed and his students 🌟
📜 Poetry Competition Reminder ✍️
Poems must be handwritten, mostly in English, and not created or illustrated by AI.
Don’t forget to include the poet’s name, age, and school name & location (or last school attended in Gaza).
We can’t wait to read your words—good luck to all young poets! 🌟
Poems must be handwritten, mostly in English, and not created or illustrated by AI.
Don’t forget to include the poet’s name, age, and school name & location (or last school attended in Gaza).
We can’t wait to read your words—good luck to all young poets! 🌟
December 24, 2025 at 1:55 PM
📜 Poetry Competition Reminder ✍️
Poems must be handwritten, mostly in English, and not created or illustrated by AI.
Don’t forget to include the poet’s name, age, and school name & location (or last school attended in Gaza).
We can’t wait to read your words—good luck to all young poets! 🌟
Poems must be handwritten, mostly in English, and not created or illustrated by AI.
Don’t forget to include the poet’s name, age, and school name & location (or last school attended in Gaza).
We can’t wait to read your words—good luck to all young poets! 🌟
💙 An Enthusiastic Session with ElShatter Hassan 💙
Miss Hana and her students enjoyed a lively session inspired by the story, filled with fun and interactive activities
Miss Hana and her students enjoyed a lively session inspired by the story, filled with fun and interactive activities
December 23, 2025 at 1:29 PM
💙 An Enthusiastic Session with ElShatter Hassan 💙
Miss Hana and her students enjoyed a lively session inspired by the story, filled with fun and interactive activities
Miss Hana and her students enjoyed a lively session inspired by the story, filled with fun and interactive activities
✨ This Week’s Activities: #TheThirstyCrow ✨
Miss Majd and her students explored the story through fun, creative activities!
A joyful week of storytelling, creativity, and learning together 💛
Miss Majd and her students explored the story through fun, creative activities!
A joyful week of storytelling, creativity, and learning together 💛
December 22, 2025 at 1:02 PM
✨ This Week’s Activities: #TheThirstyCrow ✨
Miss Majd and her students explored the story through fun, creative activities!
A joyful week of storytelling, creativity, and learning together 💛
Miss Majd and her students explored the story through fun, creative activities!
A joyful week of storytelling, creativity, and learning together 💛
🎭🇵🇸 Bring Welcome to Gaza to Cairo!
Help us bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo and amplify their voices through theatre.
Support the journey ✨
👉 Donate and learn more here:
www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Help us bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo and amplify their voices through theatre.
Support the journey ✨
👉 Donate and learn more here:
www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Bring 'Welcome to Gaza' to Cairo!
Help Nicholas Bilbrough raise money to support The Hands Up Project (HUP)
www.justgiving.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:08 PM
🎭🇵🇸 Bring Welcome to Gaza to Cairo!
Help us bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo and amplify their voices through theatre.
Support the journey ✨
👉 Donate and learn more here:
www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Help us bring this powerful production by young Palestinians to the stage in Cairo and amplify their voices through theatre.
Support the journey ✨
👉 Donate and learn more here:
www.justgiving.com/page/welcome...
Yesterday’s Hands Up Project drop-in session focused on conversation-based classes, with insights from experienced teachers and students from Gaza on how these sessions build confidence and real communication skills.
Know a student in Gaza (ages 14–18) who’d benefit? Contact [email protected]
Know a student in Gaza (ages 14–18) who’d benefit? Contact [email protected]
December 20, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Yesterday’s Hands Up Project drop-in session focused on conversation-based classes, with insights from experienced teachers and students from Gaza on how these sessions build confidence and real communication skills.
Know a student in Gaza (ages 14–18) who’d benefit? Contact [email protected]
Know a student in Gaza (ages 14–18) who’d benefit? Contact [email protected]
Art from Rubble | Daily Update — Nada
Today’s Art from Rubble session was different — held with Civil Defense personnel in Gaza, the true soldiers of humanity. Through art, we shared moments of reflection, healing, and appreciation for those who work tirelessly to save lives.
Today’s Art from Rubble session was different — held with Civil Defense personnel in Gaza, the true soldiers of humanity. Through art, we shared moments of reflection, healing, and appreciation for those who work tirelessly to save lives.
December 19, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Art from Rubble | Daily Update — Nada
Today’s Art from Rubble session was different — held with Civil Defense personnel in Gaza, the true soldiers of humanity. Through art, we shared moments of reflection, healing, and appreciation for those who work tirelessly to save lives.
Today’s Art from Rubble session was different — held with Civil Defense personnel in Gaza, the true soldiers of humanity. Through art, we shared moments of reflection, healing, and appreciation for those who work tirelessly to save lives.
♻️ #TheHareAndTheTortoise 🐇🐢
A fun and interactive session with Teacher Mohammed and his students!
Students explored the story through anticipation questions, expressing opinions, games, brainstorming, grammar (present simple & adjectives), picture discussions, and event descriptions. 💫📚
A fun and interactive session with Teacher Mohammed and his students!
Students explored the story through anticipation questions, expressing opinions, games, brainstorming, grammar (present simple & adjectives), picture discussions, and event descriptions. 💫📚
December 18, 2025 at 11:46 AM
♻️ #TheHareAndTheTortoise 🐇🐢
A fun and interactive session with Teacher Mohammed and his students!
Students explored the story through anticipation questions, expressing opinions, games, brainstorming, grammar (present simple & adjectives), picture discussions, and event descriptions. 💫📚
A fun and interactive session with Teacher Mohammed and his students!
Students explored the story through anticipation questions, expressing opinions, games, brainstorming, grammar (present simple & adjectives), picture discussions, and event descriptions. 💫📚