Jisr al-Zarqa Beach hosted the “Children of the Sea” Festival on Friday, June 26, 2026, marking the conclusion of the first educational program of its kind in the country. The program brought together scientific knowledge, hands-on field experiences, and a strong sense of connection to the sea and maritime heritage, with dozens of children and their families from Jisr al-Zarqa and Al-Fureidis taking part.

The festival was the result of a partnership between the Jisr al-Zarqa Local Council, the Al-Fureidis Local Council, the Jisr al-Zarqa Heritage Center, and the EcoOcean Association and its professional teams. It was also carried out in partnership with the Youth and Informal Education Units in both councils, the 360 Program in the two communities, and the Fishermen’s Committees of Jisr al-Zarqa and Al-Fureidis—an inspiring model of collaborative efforts to create community programs with a lasting impact.

The festival featured educational and interactive stations, field activities exploring the secrets of the beach and marine environment, and opportunities to learn about marine life and coastal ecosystems. Recreational and educational activities further strengthened the children’s sense of belonging to the sea and their responsibility to protect the marine environment, connecting scientific knowledge with hands-on experience.

Sami Al-Ali, Director of the Jisr al-Zarqa Heritage Center, described the program as a unique and exceptional experience and the first of its kind in the country. He explained that it reflects the historic and emotional relationship between the sons and daughters of fishermen and the sea, which forms an integral part of their identity and heritage. “We are working to give this relationship a scientific and educational dimension, helping preserve and strengthen our maritime heritage through theoretical content, practical workshops, and field trips that reveal to children the secrets of the beach and marine environment and the magic of the sea,” he said.

Al-Ali noted that the program had a tangible educational and community impact on participants, expressing his appreciation to all partners, students, parents, guides, volunteers, and the Fishermen’s Committees of Jisr al-Zarqa and Al-Fureidis for their contributions to the success of this pioneering initiative.

He added that the program’s significant success encourages its expansion in the future to include other Arab coastal communities, particularly Acre and Jaffa, with the aim of strengthening maritime culture, raising environmental awareness, and reconnecting younger generations with their coastal heritage and identity.

The “Children of the Sea” Festival demonstrates that meaningful partnerships between official, community, and civil society institutions can create a genuine and lasting impact, and that investing in children through innovative educational programs is an investment in the future of the community and in protecting its natural and human heritage.