Implemented by Save the Children, in partnership with the Teacher Creativity Center (TCC)
February 2024 – May 2024
After the outbreak of war in Gaza in late 2023, the humanitarian situation quickly became catastrophic. The intensity of the conflict, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and high number of casualties left countless children and adults struggling with trauma. A situational analysis conducted by the Atfaluna Society of Deaf Children highlighted the scale of the challenge, with 68% of both children and adults found to be in need of structured psychosocial support.
In response, Save the Children, together with local partners including the Teachers Creativity Centre (TCC), launched an emergency project to provide essential psychosocial support (PSS) services in Southern Gaza. Supported by the Peace of Mind Foundation among other donors, the initiative combined direct services with capacity building for local specialists.
The project trained PSS staff in Psychological First Aid, child-focused communication, PSS skills, and self-care. A team of 25 trained specialists then provided both group and individual interventions, reaching 799 children and more than 150 caregivers. Activities took place in UNRWA emergency shelters and other safe spaces, and were supported by the distribution of 1,000 recreational kits that also included psychoeducational materials to help children regulate emotions and develop coping strategies.
Structured sessions used storytelling, arts and crafts, sports, music, dance, drawing, painting, and drama to help children process trauma, build resilience, and express emotions in a safe, guided environment. Caregivers received psychoeducational resources to strengthen their ability to support their children’s emotional well-being at home.
The project also embedded psychosocial support into wider humanitarian assistance. Trained staff provided Psychological First Aid and emotional support not only in shelters but also during relief distributions, helping families cope throughout the emergency response.
By the end of the intervention, the project had delivered life-saving psychosocial support to hundreds of children and caregivers in one of the most affected areas of Gaza, while also strengthening the skills of local specialists and ensuring that MHPSS was integrated into the broader humanitarian response.