Support Social Work in South Hebron Hills

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.