By Konrad Suder Chatterjee | Communications Officer and Resource Developer
Ongoing Psycho-Social Support in Times of Genocidal War
Despite the ongoing and devastating impact of the Israeli military offensive on Palestinian lives, ASHTAR Theatre remains resolute in its commitment to delivering critical psycho-social support to vulnerable communities. In collaboration with Defence for Children International Palestine (DCIP) and Dar Al-Amal, we have initiated drama-based group sessions designed for children in their care. These sessions provide a vital safe space for children to express their emotions through creative means, open dialogue, and the development of coping tools during these exceptionally challenging times.
Each session accommodates 10-15 children and has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Our trainers have been praised for fostering a protective environment, strictly adhering to child protection policies, and maximizing the use of session time through innovative and engaging methods. The children expressed a strong desire to continue the sessions, which have proven to be highly beneficial for their psychological resilience and social well-being. Consequently, we are committed to expanding this initiative and will continue working with DCIP and Dar Al-Amal throughout the year.
In addition, ASHTAR Theatre has been working closely with a group of women in Bethlehem, providing a women-only space to address their unique socio-demographic needs. These sessions have become a source of emotional support and empowerment, with some participants beginning to receive assistance for personal domestic challenges.
In Ramallah, ASHTAR continues its engagement with a significant number of Gazan refugees, many of whom have been displaced for nearly a year. These refugees, particularly children and the elderly, face not only displacement but also severe medical issues that require sustained psycho-social intervention. Partnering with In'ash Al-Usra, our work extends to providing relief and trauma recovery, supporting both families and individuals, with a focus on community rebuilding and emotional healing.
Moreover, as part of a pilot project, ASHTAR has begun working with Gaza refugees in Doha, Qatar, exploring innovative methods to address their complex needs under challenging circumstances. We hope to expand this project beyond the pilot phase to allow all residents to benefit from our interventions.
Urgent Call for Support
Most urgently, we require financial support to scale the implementation of our psycho-social program across 97 UNRWA schools in the West Bank. This includes 24 schools in Hebron, 5 in Jericho, 28 in Jerusalem, and 39 in Nablus, covering a total of 2,031 staff members. During these dire times, UNRWA has identified specific areas in urgent need of additional focus. However, due to safety concerns, road closures, and checkpoints, it is likely that our core team will not be able to access these areas. To address this, we will need to identify and train locally residing staff to ensure the continuity of these critical interventions.
ASHTAR Theatre remains unwavering in its dedication to providing a safe and nurturing environment through the arts for those most affected by the ongoing war. Your continued support is crucial to sustaining and expanding this impactful work. Together, we can offer hope, healing, and a sense of community to those who need it most.
By Konrad Suder Chatterjee | Communication Officer and Resource Developer
By Konrad Suder Chatterjee | ASHTAR Communication Officer & Resource Developer
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