Helping Refugee Children in the West Bank and Gaza Cope with Trauma: Education, Social, & Psychological Well-Being

Palestinian refugee and non-refugee children face unique stress, illustrated by recent UNICEF figures reporting that 61 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza in the first half of 2008--surpassing the totals for all of 2007. Palestinian refugee children in the Palestinian Territories (West Bank and Gaza) also experience the same challenges as children everywhere: overcoming social problems, learning difficulties and education deficiencies, coping with the pressures of growing up, and learning to fit in socially.

However, Palestinian children must face these challenges in communities that are coping with increasing poverty and on-going political uncertainty, isolation and violence. Surveys have shown that nearly one-third of all families in the West Bank and Gaza have children exhibiting symptoms — excessive anxiety, depression, phobias — of psychosocial distress.

Child Well Being Project Aids Gaza Children
In the West Bank and Gaza, ANERA helps children deal with conflict in a non-violent manner through an innovative and unique project funded by the Canadian government.

The Gaza education aid program extends comprehensive psychosocial support and education opportunities, particularly in marginalized areas, to children and youth. Over 7,000 children from Gaza — boys and girls, ages 6 to 17 — attend after-school activities in some 80 community support centers.

Gaza children participating in the health relief project come from a variety of backgrounds: some of them live in Palestinian refugee camps, others in more rural areas or larger cities. All children attend school and therefore the activities are held after school hours. Recently, activities for the Gaza children, ages 6-12, have included art, animation, music and dance. 13-17 year old children have the additional option of studying drama. The older Gaza children focus on social awareness, relaxation and breathing exercises, improvisation and role plays. 20-25 children participate in each activity.

Special training is provided to social workers and Gaza community health volunteers who then guide the children in problem-solving, reconciliation, anger management and coping activities. We also train school counselors in screening and diagnosis.

Easing Refugee Children into Jordanian Public Schools
In Amman and Zarqa, Jordan, ANERA works with 1,000 Iraqi and Jordanian children, aged 6 through 12. With a $725,000 grant from the U.S. State Department, we are facilitating the smooth and proper integration of Iraqi children into Jordanian public schools and delivering physical and psychosocial support to children in poor communities.

In close coordination with UNHCR, UNICEF, Jordan’s Ministry of Social Development and other local NGO partners, ANERA’s children relief aid project will continue through the 2007-2008 academic year and subsequent summer session.

Arab Resource Centre for Popular Arts
In Lebanon, ANERA gives annual support to the Arab Resource Centre for Popular Arts (ARCPA), a relationship we have sustained for many years. The center promotes community health, conflict resolution, reconciliation and healing through filmmaking, active learning and creative expression. The center works throughout Lebanon, especially in the Palestinian refugee camps.