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Every child should be able to learn, but almost all schools in Gaza have either been damaged by the conflict or are being used as shelters for families who have lost their homes. A whole generation of children are losing their education, and it is being replaced by trauma, uncertainty, and stress.
IOCC is working to help kids in Gaza reclaim their childhoods. Some 400 children in Gaza are attending recreational days, organized by IOCC and the Family Development Association, and funded by Christian Aid. The children enjoy music, Dabke (a traditional dance), and therapeutic drama activities, where they can safely express and process their experiences through guided role-playing and storytelling. The recreational days have transformed the two displaced family camps where they take place into nurturing, healing environments.
“Participating in the project’s fun days was the highlight of my month. I loved the group painting and the team races most of all,” said nine-year old Layan (not her real name). “Getting a small prize at the end made me feel like I had really achieved something special. Before these activities, I used to stay quiet and felt scared most of the time, but now I find myself laughing more with my sisters. I feel like I have my energy back and I’m not as lonely anymore.”
About an equal number of boys and girls have attended the recreational days, but the project also provides specialist care for high-priority children including 42 orphans, 22 injured children, and 13 children with disabilities. The kids receive a healthy snack during the day and the fun wraps up with motivational gifts (such as a coloring book) being handed out. The modest gifts help support emotional well-being and encourage healthy coping strategies for a generation experiencing extraordinary trauma.
“I had a great time during the recreational activities, especially playing football and joining the group games with the other boys,” said Ahmed (not his real name), aged eight. The snacks were delicious, and the gift I received is now my favorite thing. My mother told me she is happy because I don’t get angry as easily as I did before. I used to be shy and stayed by myself, but now I have new friends to play with and I feel much braver when I talk to people.”
Rahaf (not her real name), an eight-year-old girl, said “I joined the recreational activities where I played games, drew, danced, and took part in competitions. We also received snacks and small gifts. This made me feel happy and less sad. My family noticed that I became calmer and cried less. Now I feel more confident and enjoy spending time with other children.”
The project will end later this year, but with help from our donors IOCC hopes to continue similar work to return a little childhood to a generation which has been deprived of play and education.
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