Since cultural centres are the theme of this issue, the website review is of none other than that of the famous A.M. Qattan Foundation, the epitome of cultural and educational work across Palestine.

This dual language website exemplifies the simple layout structure that is both functional and intuitive. The main page directs you to the main sections of About the Foundation, News and Events, Contact Us, List of Beneficiaries and Guest Residence, and to the different sub organizations: Qattan Centre for Educational Research and Development, Qattan Centre for the Child in Gaza, Culture and Science Programme, and the Palestinian Audio-Visual Project. This is all followed by a main advertising banner and the focus highlighting some of the most important events taking place.

As one delves deeper into the site, the concise menu structure leads the visitor into the different sections with a two-column layout with neat graphics and work samples of different artists and projects along with properly captioned photographs and dates. The events are particularly noticeable as they encompass the Palestinian cultural scene across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in its numerous forms: literature, music, visual arts, painting and exhibitions. I could not view any of the Publications listed in the section of the Culture and Science Programme at the time of review, or perhaps there are none listed.

The section of the Qattan Centre for the Child in Gaza features a two-column layout structure introducing the visitor to the various sections, including a map of the site and the different departments of the centre that include a library, IT unit, art and crafts, theatre, music and cinema, clubs, training and others. The Calendar takes you to a handy utility to search for dates of events categorized by date, type of event, subject matter, location and age group. Again, the Our Publications section was devoid of any content.

The Educational Research and Development section takes the visitor on a journey through the centre’s activities in assisting Palestinian teachers and researchers explore and improve their skills and knowledge. The curriculum presents some of the key elements of education comprising arts, mathematics, narrative, technology, learning styles, special education, and school as a development unit.

Overall, the site proved to be an interesting one to visit and highlight in this issue, although its Active Server Page (ASP) design elements proved to be too much for a low bandwidth connection. Similarly the Publications sections were either missing or non-existent, and this matter needs to be rectified. For the average visitor, this site boasts updated content and appealing events and activities not to be missed.