Reflections from Gaza

2 August 2011

Sara Fowler, Asia & Middle-East Programmes Officer, reflects on her visit to Gaza YMCA in July 2011

Everyone who lives in Gaza has a story to tell, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the destruction of a home, factory or agricultural land, the loss of a livelihood, the risks of crossing the border into Egypt to attend a son’s wedding or seek essential medical care. This was my first visit to Gaza and I was struck by several things during my time there.

A destroyed building in Gaza

Visiting Gaza, it is hard not to be appalled and affected by what one sees. There is destruction everywhere: houses, schools, factories and public institutions are now just piles of rubble. It is hard not to be moved to anger at the continued blockade, which prevents people from forgetting and gathering the broken pieces of their lives so that they can start again. Nothing enters and nothing goes out of the borders; neither machinery to clear out the debris nor construction materials to enable rebuilding.

And yet people still struggle on with their lives. There is freshly tilled land beside temporary shelters, weddings are still held every Friday, children go to school, Muslim prayers are uttered from loudspeakers – all the signs of ordinary life are there although the situation is anything but ordinary.

The impact of the blockade has been severe. Only humanitarian items have been allowed in and virtually no exports permitted since 2007, causing paralysis of the Gazan economy. Young people in particular are harshly affected by this, with very few opportunities for long term employment on finishing school. Many grow up in refugee camps, experiencing harsh living conditions and psychological problems as a result of the violence and trauma they have experienced growing up.

Young people from Gaza YMCA fly kites of hope

Gaza YMCA’s Work
A major component of Gaza YMCA’s work is focused on addressing the trauma that the children of Gaza were subjected to during the conflict, through the implementation of psychosocial programmes. Around 2,000 children aged between 7 and 16 years have taken part in the programme, which included health and hygiene, environment, social studies, art and theatre, as well as recreation and sports. YMCA animators who work with the children on the programme have noted the impact of the military operations on children, such as increased aggressiveness and hostility, fear, forgetfulness and a decreased interest in socializing with friends and other children.

Heba Elattar is a mother of three young children and an animator at one of the centres. She summed up the effect of the programme on children in one word: happiness, as seen from the children’s smiles, the self-confidence they exude in their artwork or while engaged in sports, and their ability to communicate and express their feelings.
Gaza YMCA also builds the capacity of community based children’s centres across Gaza to do similar work, therefore ensuring more children have access to psychosocial programmes.

The future
In Gaza, one quickly realizes that there are very few places where people can come and feel welcome and secure, regardless of age or religion. In this sense, the YMCA is like an oasis. It is a place where children can celebrate their birthday and do what children are supposed to do, a sanctuary for people in need of quiet or connection with others and a space where young people can hang out with their friends. Most of all, the YMCA is an organisation that gives young people hope for a future with peace and justice.