In 2022, the European Union (EU) has allocated €2.6 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide vital psychosocial support to school children in the blockaded Gaza Strip, who have been negatively impacted by the deteriorating humanitarian situation. 

"Education is key in building confidence among Palestine refugee children. To help children achieve their best in education, it is key to foster their well-being and keep them in a protective environment. This project with after-school activities and life-skill sessions could be a turning point for many Palestine refugee students," said Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza.

The EU humanitarian funding in support of the Agency’s Education in Emergencies programme will strengthen children’s’ psychosocial resilience, coping mechanisms and mental well-being.  Some 300,000 school children in the Gaza Strip will be given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in a friendly, safe and creative learning environment where both children and education staff are protected.

“The EU is a strong supporter of every child’s needs to grow and learn in a safe environment to maximise their opportunities in life. Palestine refugee children in Gaza can count on us to access quality education and feel better protected and supported,” said Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

Children make up nearly half of the population in the Gaza Strip, which has been under blockade for 16 years. Repeated rounds of conflicts and a progressively deteriorating economic situation are stress triggers threatening mental health and psychological well-being affecting students’ academic achievement.

Some 300,000 children attend 278 UNRWA schools in Gaza.

Following the May 2021 Israeli aggressions on the Gaza Strip, and based on a survey conducted by UNRWA, the incidence of war-related traumata increased, leaving about 42 per cent of surveyed UNRWA first grade school children in Gaza in need of psychosocial support.

As part of EiE in Gaza, UNRWA provides mental health and psychosocial support for children through the provision of after-school interventions, allowing them to participate in recreational activities that also facilitate referrals to more specialized mental health care, as needed.