Gaza's Kids Can't Wait
President Obama’s historic speech in Cairo was generally well received in Palestinian refugee communities. Many found in it hope for a new beginning, but the more than 800,000 children in Gaza still see no prospect of a childhood free of war and want.
Not much has improved in Gaza since the latest war supposedly came to an end on January 17. The economic blockade continues. Due to the ban on importing construction materials, most of the 20,000 homes damaged in the latest war have yet to be repaired. Clean water is scarce and sanitation problems have become alarming. Food stocks are limited in quantity and low in quality.
Over 80% of Gaza’s residents live below the poverty line of $2/day. Over 60% of job-seekers are unemployed, so most men lack jobs or other reasons to leave their overcrowded refugee shelters. Domestic violence and drug dependency are becoming serious problems.
It’s especially difficult to be a child in Gaza. There’s not much space at home, and playgrounds and sports fields are lacking. There’s almost nowhere to go, as they can’t leave the confines of the Gaza Strip. There’s nothing much to buy, as new books and toys aren’t allowed into Gaza. Time hangs heavy on the hands of Gaza’s kids, who have an ever-present sense of danger and isolation. They find few reasons for confidence in the future or joy in the present.
UNRWA nevertheless guarantees some hope for a better life, for example by teaching nearly 200,000 Gazans in the elementary and preparatory grades at its 124 schools. UNRWA’s schools not only apply the standard Palestinian curriculum, but also provide enrichment materials and mental health services that help kids cope with the unique stresses of living in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza’s kids would hardly look forward to the long, hot days of summer, except that UNRWA has devised a program to make creative and enjoyable use of their time. As you’ll see in the attached clip (“Summer Games 2008”), this 10-week program includes sports, gymnastics, and a mini-marathon; beach-based activities; singing, dancing, and drama; a wide range of arts and crafts; and a concluding festival of kite-flying, clowns, and folklore.
As you can see in their beaming faces, the beautiful children who are Gaza's future find the Summer Games to be a delightful learning and healing experience. You can support UNRWA's efforts to continue and expand this wonderful program by "adopting" at least one participant in this coming summer.
Your donation of $21 per child will cover the cost of all activities for a Palestinian boy or girl throughout Summer Games 2009, including a "uniform" (t-shirt, cap and sports shoes). Please donate today, because Gaza's kids can't wait.
