In Gaza, a program to give kids respite amid ongoing conflict

Since October 2023, people in Gaza have been living through a devastating crisis. A drastic decline in access to food, clean water, electricity, and medical care is made worse by restrictions on humanitarian aid. The widespread destruction of infrastructure, and frequent displacement have left many people in a dire situation, struggling to meet their basic needs.

Young people and children are spending their days searching for food, water, and shelter in place of the routine of attending school. Faced with the impacts of war, multiple displacements, and loss of community, children and young people must often find their own ways to maintain mental wellbeing and create coping mechanisms—which may not always be positive or readily apparent. With a stable environment and the support to better cope with the stress, anxiety, and trauma that result from conflict, they can improve their overall well-being, strengthen their ability to manage challenges ahead, and lay the foundation for healthy development even amid adversity.

This past April, our team in Gaza was able to overcome the challenges of evacuation notices and bombardments to resume our Positive Youth Engagement program. Through wellbeing camps in Rafah, Al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, and Deir Al-Balah, Mercy Corps has led more than 200 psychosocial support and basic education activities. So far, we’ve reached 2,500 children and young people along with 500 parents and caregivers.

“It was my first time participating in an activity since the war started, and I felt very happy,” a ten-year-old program participant said. “It helped me forget about feeling stressed and scared every day.”

Sports and hands-on activities at the camps help children and young people learn the collaboration and problem-solving skills needed to navigate challenges, build positive relationships, and thrive academically and personally. By supporting their emotional well-being, children and young people are better able to cope with and adapt to the emotional stress and challenges of conflict.

“Sharing our experiences during those two days created a sense of support and safety amidst the fearful environment of war,” one caretaker in Gaza City said, reflecting on the Positive Youth Engagement activities. “I believe more sessions are necessary for our emotional well-being.”

We were able to relaunch Positive Youth Engagement by adapting to current safety considerations and resource limitations. We also worked with the mentors and trainers who had been part of the program before conflict began in October 2023. The program was designed to offer children and young people in Gaza a range of support services to help strengthen mental well-being, build life skills, get involved in their communities, and open opportunities for the future. Working with our local partners, the program established a network of safe spaces in Rafah, Khan Younis, Gaza City, and Beach Refugee Camp, among other locations. However, ongoing conflict has severely affected these facilities, with many having been destroyed or repurposed as shelters for displaced people.

Despite our efforts to continue providing support to young people and their families, challenges posed by conflict may force us to pause the program again. Limited access to fuel and communications equipment, high prices for basic materials, and the ongoing displacement and unstable security situation continue to strain both our staff and the people who participate in the program.

Mercy Corps has worked in Palestine for nearly four decades, providing access to clean water, economic opportunities and livelihood support. Even with the immense challenges of delivering support and services to Gaza at this time, we are committed to helping communities as they cope during this most challenging time and recover in the future. We won’t stop using our voice, experience, and partnerships to deliver relief.