In contexts of chronic violence, displacement, and trauma, mental health support is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. Over the past year, the Peace of Mind Foundation and War Child have worked side by side to bring this lifeline to children and caregivers in Gaza and the West Bank through the Resilient Roots Project.
This initiative, grounded in a community-based and child-centered approach, has provided critical mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to those most affected by ongoing conflict. By fostering emotional healing, resilience, and hope, the project has played a key role in helping children process traumatic experiences and rebuild a sense of normalcy and safety.
Children in the occupied Palestinian territory are growing up amid layers of violence, displacement, and uncertainty. Without timely mental health support, the long-term impacts of trauma can ripple across generations, undermining community wellbeing and peacebuilding efforts.
The Resilient Roots Project was designed to address these realities by delivering culturally sensitive MHPSS services, building the capacity of local actors and caregivers, and creating safe, structured spaces for healing and connection.
Despite the volatile and unpredictable environment, the project reached thousands of individuals with tailored interventions. A total of 2,295 beneficiaries in Gaza received psychological first aid, individual and group counseling, and remote consultations through phone-based support. Five local counselors were trained and deployed to provide urgent psychosocial care in crisis conditions, ensuring continuity of support even during escalations of violence. In the West Bank, 1,506 children participated in TeamUp sessions—movement-based group activities designed to reduce stress and strengthen social-emotional skills. Additionally, 100 children in high-risk zones of the northern West Bank benefited from specialized small group sessions focusing on emotional regulation and trauma processing.
The project also focused on strengthening the surrounding support networks. A total of 212 teachers, caregivers, and volunteers were trained through the ReachNow methodology, equipping them with tools to recognize mental distress and respond effectively within their communities. Feedback mechanisms were built into every phase of implementation, allowing participants, caregivers, and facilitators to regularly share insights and improve the quality of interventions.
The situation in the oPt remains dire, and the demand for mental health support continues to grow—especially following recent escalations of violence. In 2025, we remain committed to expanding our reach and impact. With continued collaboration, advocacy, and funding, we aim to extend services to underserved and newly affected areas, train more local professionals in MHPSS methods, and strengthen child protection networks across the region.
Let’s continue advocating for mental health support in emergencies. Together, we can ensure that no child is left behind—even in the most difficult circumstances.