UN agency kicks off summer fun for Palestinian children in Gaza

Summer games for children organised by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) kicked off on Sunday to help participants alleviate their psychological challenges. 

Lasting for four weeks, the summer camps' facilities include trampolines, a beautiful castle, football, and other recreational activities such as painting and handicrafts.

During a ceremony for launching these summer camps, Thomas White, the director of operations of UNRWA in Gaza, said that "about 130,000 children from various ages have participated in the summer camps in some of 91 our schools" in the besieged coastal enclave.

"The children in Gaza suffered hardship because of the political and economic crises. The locals in Gaza have been living under an Israeli blockade for more than 15 years, which negatively increases poverty rates and psychological issues among the older persons and the children," White said to The New Arab.

He added that "the children in Gaza need to have real support to help them get rid of their psychological issues, mainly as the coastal enclave lacks enough psychologists who would treat them following each Israeli military tension."

Haya al-Wehaidy, a Gaza-based girl, expressed her joy at joining the summer camps at Gaza primary school, describing it as a golden chance to practice her right to play freely. 

"This camp came after a long academic season accompanied by psychological pressure," the 13-year-old girl told TNA as she finished drawing a painting in one of the school's classrooms. 

"Such an activity allows me to play, have fun, meet new friends and relax," she said, and added, "The atmosphere inside the summer camps is wonderful." 

"Practicing sports and various activities inside the camps help participants gain self-confidence and develop their talents," she explained. 

Abdul Qadir al-Kahlout, another Gaza-based participant, told TNA that summer camps help the participating children to show their talents and meet new friends. He also noted that he uses the hours of participation with play, joy, and challenge.

Hady al-Refaei, a local father, has expressed similar views. He told TNA that sports and cultural activities must be held weekly for children in the Gaza Strip, as it is one area that suffers the most due to political and economic instability.

"The summer camps are a way to reintegrate children into society after a long year of study and the wars they lived through, and schools are the safe place in the Strip in the eyes of children," he said. 

He believes it is essential for refugee children to enjoy their fundamental rights to live, educate and play in a safe and stimulating environment like all children.

According to a study conducted by the UN agency in the wake of the wave of tension between Palestinian factions and Israel in the Gaza Strip last May, 35% of children in the first grade suffered from psychological reactions related to trauma.

Summer camps in Gaza are one of the UNRWA's responses to help mitigate the psychological effects of repeated military rounds and difficult living conditions resulting from a 15-year-long Israeli blockade.

Summer camps provide 2,750 temporary job opportunities for graduates of both sexes in psychological support and health education.