In the heart of Gaza, where approximately half of the population is under the age of 18, the needs of children are immense, and the suffering they have endured is beyond comprehension. Amidst the ongoing conflict, a beacon of hope shines through the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) mental health center, providing one of the few remaining safe spaces where children can simply be children again.
A Sanctuary for Healing and Play
At the PRCS center, children who have witnessed the horrors of war are given the opportunity to heal through structured activities and creative expression. Dr Niveen, a dedicated mental health practitioner at the facility, explains the profound impact of the center's work. 'Children have seen many things with their own eyes: bombing, destruction, displacement, and killing,' she says. 'For a long time, they hadn't touched or played with toys, so the child chooses the toy they want and starts playing freely.' This simple act of play is a crucial step in helping them process their trauma and regain a sense of normalcy.
Art as a Powerful Tool for Expression
Art therapy plays a central role in the healing process at the center. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings through drawings, which often burst with vibrant colors, hearts, and flowers—a stark contrast to the grim reality of daily life in Gaza. 'Perhaps the thing children express themselves with the most is through their drawings,' Niveen notes. These artistic creations serve as a window into their inner worlds, allowing them to communicate emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken.
Alongside storytelling and art, the center harnesses the healing power of physical activity. 'Children have a lot of energy, and they try to release it. We try to help them release this energy through ball games and other activities,' Niveen adds. This combination of mental and physical engagement helps children cope with loss, such as the death of loved ones, and rebuild their sense of safety.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
The PRCS center operates with groups of about 100 children each, where staff carefully integrate those suffering from behavioral or psychological issues with their peers to foster social support and inclusion. Niveen emphasizes the importance of this safe space: 'Many children have lost the feeling of safety and comfort [that they felt when] their mothers used to tell them a story before bed ... We at the Palestine Red Crescent tried to create this safe space. Children come here every day; they don't want the session to end. They want to stay all day in the mental health center because [it represents] a safe place and an environment where they can relieve their stress.'
Through its comprehensive aid, medical care, and vital mental health services, the Palestine Red Crescent Society is making a tangible difference in the lives of Gaza's youngest residents, offering them a chance to heal, play, and dream again in the midst of adversity.
