Psychosocial

Children in the West Bank and Gaza experience the same challenges as children everywhere: overcoming social problems and learning difficulties, 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
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 program extends comprehensive psychosocial support and opportunities, particularly in marginalized areas, to children and youth. Over 7,000 children — boys and girls, ages 6 to 17 — attend after-school activities in some 80 community centers.

Special training is provided to social workers and community 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 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 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 conflict resolution, reconciliation and healing through filmmaking, active learning and creative expression. The center works throughout Lebanon, especially in the Palestinian refugee camps.