How are you, and are you safe?
Thank you for asking! I’m doing well, and I’m grateful for your concern. Our team in Palestine is safe, and despite the ongoing challenges, we continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and families in our care.
The situation remains challenging, but we are deeply committed to supporting them through these tough times, just as you are. Your support means so much, and together, we are making a real difference for the children.
Are the children safe? How are they doing?
The children in our care are safe, and we are doing everything possible to ensure their well-being. Our team maintains close contact with caregivers in the community houses to ensure that children receive the support they need.
We have emergency response plans to keep them as secure as possible, and we also provide psychosocial support to help them manage the stress of the ongoing situation.
Many children are still recovering from the emotional and psychological impact of displacement and trauma. To support them, our dedicated team of social workers and psychologists offers continuous care, including trauma-informed therapy and counseling.
We also run structured activities to help children regain a sense of stability. Programs like music therapy, creative arts, and group activities allow children to express their feelings and build resilience.
While the challenges are significant, we continue to provide structured activities, therapy programs, and educational support to help the children feel a sense of stability and normalcy in these difficult times.
Where are the children now?
Bethlehem: In March 2024, 68 children from SOS Children’s Village in Rafah-Gaza were safely evacuated to SOS Children’s Village Bethlehem. They are currently adjusting to new schools and receiving ongoing mental health support to help them cope with their experiences.
Khan Younis: The SOS Emergency Program continues to support 38 children, caregivers, and staff in a tented encampment in Khan Younis. We provide essential services to ensure their well-being and stability during this challenging time.
What are you doing to help the children? What is the biggest need right now?
We are providing essential services to support the safety, emotional well-being, and stability of the children in our care:
- Psychosocial Support: Trauma-informed care, group therapy, and individual counseling help children process their experiences and heal emotionally.
- Education & Stability: We ensure that children continue attending school and have access to learning resources, providing them with stability and a sense of normalcy.
- Basic Needs & Safety: We provide food, clean water, healthcare, and secure shelter to ensure their physical well-being.
- Emotional & Social Healing: Programs like art therapy, music therapy, and sports help children express their emotions, rebuild social connections, and process trauma in a supportive environment.
- Art Therapy: A Path to Healing Art therapy has proven to be a powerful tool for helping children cope with fear, loss, and trauma. Many children struggle to verbalize their emotions, but they can safely and creatively express them through painting, drawing, and crafting.
- Expression Without Words: Art allows children to process emotions they can’t yet put into words.
- Emotional Release: It helps reduce stress, fear, and anxiety.
- Building Confidence & Resilience: Completing an art project gives children a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem.
- Social Connection: Group art sessions create emotional support and foster bonding among the children.
Takket være din støtte finder børnene måder at heale og udtrykke sig selv gennem kunst. Dit bidrag gør en reel forskel i deres liv og hjælper dem med at genfinde en følelse af tryghed, sikkerhed og tilhørsforhold.
