Jan, 2025
Psychosocial support sessions are helping build a stronger community in Al-Hiba Camp.
In the heart of Al-Hiba Camp, a tent camp for the displaced in Khan Younis Governorate, where the Palestinians endure the hardships of displacement and the psychological scars of war, stories of resilience and hope emerge. With a generous grant from Embrace Relief, Anera has provided psychosocial support sessions to communities in Gaza.
Healing Through Support
Shaimaa Younis, a specialist from Anera, explained that the sessions offer psychological support to youth and women, focusing on enhancing self-confidence and self-care.
“We taught them how to turn their negative emotions into positive ones,” Younis says, emphasizing how this transformation empowered participants to cultivate energy that they could share with others.
From Trauma to Preparedness
Shahad, a displaced young woman in the camp, was one of the participants. “The bombing and destruction shattered our spirits," the 17-year-old confesses, "but the support sessions made a big difference in my life.”
“We taught them how to turn their negative emotions into positive ones.”
Through these sessions, Shahad learned how to prepare for emergencies by keeping a ready first-aid and emergency kit. She also developed skills to reinforce positive emotions. “I learned to organize my thoughts and created a personal space where I can relax,” Shahad proudly added.
Shahad’s mother says the sessions have had a significant impacted on her daughter. “She struggled with low self-esteem and lacked confidence. Sometimes she was a target for bullying.” But after attending the sessions, Shahed blossomed into a confident young woman.
“She now stands up for herself and proudly says, ‘I love myself as I am.’ What once were her weaknesses have become her strengths,” her mother says, expressing gratitude for the positive transformation in her daughter.
"What once were her weaknesses have become her strengths.”
Turning Pain into Hope
Shahad’s story shows how psychosocial support can deeply affect people’s lives, helping them overcome mental challenges while also building a stronger, more united community. Thanks to the grant from Embrace Relief, Anera successfully provided essential support, leaving a lasting positive effect on many lives in Al-Hiba Camp.
This story isn’t just about one person’s success — it’s a powerful reminder of how communities can turn pain into hope when they come together with the right support.
“The bombing and destruction shattered our spirits..."
Mahmoud Rassrass, Anera's coordinator for psychosocial support projects, highlighted Anera’s comprehensive development program, which aims to meet the diverse needs of children and their families in Al-Hiba Camp through various stages of recreational, educational, and awareness activities.
The program hosts targeted sessions for children of different age ranges, from 4 to 17 years old, covering everything from psychological relief activities through music, games, and competitions; enhancing basic educational skills and fostering a love for learning; building relationships and managing emotions; learning about protecting bodily privacy and conflict resolution; and helping parents address the pressures and challenges their children might face.
