The Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD) has contributed EUR 100.000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide psychological support to 1028 Palestine refugee children in Gaza through its Community Mental Health Program (CMHP).
As a result of traumatic experiences suffered during the 2014 Gaza hostilities and the effects of the protracted blockade of Gaza, mental health concerns and psychological difficulties feature prominently across the population, as manifested in stress-related symptoms, depression, anxiety, and difficulties at school and within homes.
For children, in particular, this can manifest in increased aggression, irritability, or not willing to participate in group activities, for example. As part of the CMHP, counselors identify and support children who are experiencing more serious psychological problems and protection threats through individual and targeted group interventions. Complemented by parent education sessions, this intervention promotes a holistic to child and family well-being.
The contribution by ACCD will cover the salaries of 13 therapists and three facilitators for a period of three months to support 299 children in UNRWA schools in Gaza. In addition, 429 children will benefit from group therapies and 300 more children from orientation sessions.
“We welcome this contribution by the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation. It will support important work to alleviate the deep psychological trauma experienced by so many children in Gaza. ACCD’s commitment to UNRWA’s psychological interventions will contribute to improving the well-being and resilience of the most vulnerable population affected by the repeated cycles of conflict and the blockade,” says the Director of UNRWA Operations in Gaza, Matthias Schmale, in accepting this contribution.
Original source: UNRWA
Published on 15 March 2018
