Justice and Human Rights Palestine Project #50414

Support Social Work in South Hebron Hills

by Rebuilding Alliance

Project Report | Jun 25, 2024
Supporting locals when they need it the most

By Lama Abed and Maria Syed | Staff Writer and Director of Development

Fatma with a group of children

Since the war in Gaza started, the situation has deteriorated for the Palestinian families in South Hebron Hills. Despite these challenges, Fatima, with your support and generosity, continues to provide essential aid to her community.

Fatma shared that settlers and the Israeli Army have become emboldened after the Gaza war and frequently attack the families in the area, including children. Children have been forcibly removed from their tents. Most children are terrified of the army and fear that it will come back. They have developed serious psychological problems, such as bedwetting, lack of sleep, and screaming while sleeping.

The top priority for Fatma is to provide psychological support to the children. Fatma incorporates physical and musical exercises to engage with children and facilitate communication. She utilizes a variety of tools including colors, pens, paper, posters, small parachutes, balloons, and colored cones. These tools greatly aid in capturing the children's interest and encouraging them to express their emotions. "When children are engaged in fun activities, they become more open and talk more easily. This helps them release any built-up negative energy. Parents frequently request me to conduct these activities," said Fatma.

Fatma also held eight training sessions for mothers on how to help their children cope with dangerous situations and provide them with psychological support.

She also supports local women through empowerment programs that aim to develop leadership qualities, capabilities, and strengths for personal and community development.

Through her efforts, Fatma had a positive impact on many local people:

110 children participated in workshops
Therapeutic sessions were provided for 30 children and 15 adults, with 10 cases referred to Doctors Without Borders
18 elderly individuals received consultations and mental health support
98 women participated in empowering and positive parenting workshops
A Protection and Emergency Committee has been formed that meets bi-weekly to assist with recreational activities

As long as these villages continue to see attacks, the local community's need for psychological support will persist. With your support, Fatima can continue her crucial work. Thank you for being part of this effort.

Games for children

Engaging children through fun activities

Colors to help children express themselves

Freehand drawing session for children

In a session with mothers

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Mar 5, 2024
Fatma's work has become more important in current circumstances

By Maria Syed | Analyst and Strategist

Because of your generosity, Fatma can help her community and have a meaningful, long-term impact on them.

Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity, which empowers Fatma to make a significant difference in her community. Through your contributions, Fatma has been able to undertake several impactful initiatives, each tailored to address specific needs within the community. Highlights of her work include:

Educational Workshops for Children: These workshops focus on artistic expression, providing a safe space for children to draw and paint. Additionally, Fatma offers crucial safety workshops for those living in high-risk areas, teaching them how to recognize danger and implement protective measures.

Support for Traumatized Families: In instances of violence, such as the assault on a family in Susya, Fatma has been instrumental in offering psychological support. Her sessions not only assist children in overcoming trauma but also equip parents with strategies to aid their children's recovery.
Elderly Care: Regular visits by Fatma to the elderly ensure the continuous monitoring of their psychological well-being, showing a comprehensive approach to community health.
Empowerment Workshops for Women: Fatma leads workshops aimed at fostering self-respect and confidence among women. She strengthens their resolve to face challenges, including gender-based violence, by educating them on protective mechanisms.
Collaboration for Health Education: Partnering with organizations like Doctors Without Borders, Fatma has facilitated educational sessions on health and dental care for children. These sessions not only impart valuable knowledge but also conclude with the distribution of personal hygiene kits to encourage good practices.

Your support makes these initiatives possible, allowing Fatma to foster resilience, empowerment, and well-being within her community. Your continued generosity ensures that this crucial work not only continues but expands to reach even more members of the community in need. Thank you for being part of this journey of transformation and hope.

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Nov 12, 2023
Good mental health is important to cope with the challenges

By Maria Syed | Analyst and Strategist

Helping children express their feelings

The situation in the Masafer Yatta area continues to be challenging for the residents. No matter what time of the day and where they are, local people live in constant fear of settler attacks, so much so that children and adults have both developed anxieties. Social worker Fatma understands the psychological condition of her community and works on improving their mental health.

Fatma has developed a monitoring committee, with two members from each village, to extend psychological support to the local community in case of settler attacks or Israeli Army raids. She conducted training sessions on providing psychological first aid to the people in their local area in the event Fatma is unable to reach the place due to the checkpoints and closure of roads.
Fatma provided medical first aid training to the committee members who can now provide aid if a medical emergency occurrs. She also assists families in getting medical treatments at the hospitals. Recently, a villager of Al-Tuwanah was shot by a settler at point-blank range — he survived. Fatima visited him at hospital and is in touch with his family.
Discussion sessions are held with teens to release pent-up anger and frustration and improve their mental health. Children are taught how to seek help from their school, family, and the neighborhood. Children over 16 are counseled on the importance of serving their community and undertaking volunteer work.
Mothers are the best people to help their children. Fatma conducted workshops for the mothers on developing communication skills–how to become good listeners to understand children’s problems. Many times, children are nervous about expressing their true feelings. Mothers learned how to be open to all kinds of opinions.
Social worker Fatma also visits the elderly people regularly. She inquires about their problems and engages them in simple activities.

With your support, Fatma helped the communities of Wadi Al-Rakhim, Khallet Al-Dabaa, Qawawis, Wadi Al-Rakhim, Al Majaz, and Al Fakhit these past months. Thank you for supporting social worker Fatma in carrying out all these activities for the benefit of the people in the Masafer Yatta area, especially in this time of emergency.

Workshop for teenage children of Susya & At-Tuwana

Freehand drawing session for children

Fun activities for children

A child drawing

Group counseling session for teenage children

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