Inspired by his brother's sacrifice, Mohammed makes a difference

By Hajar J. Masoud World Vision Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, North Gaza Area Development Programme (ADP)

“I know that he will always be with me, even if he is so far away now,” says Mohammed, 10. “I will grow up to be strong and kind like [Ahed]. He was the best brother ever,” he says.

Mohammed and his family were already known as an inspirational family to neighbours in their Beit Lahia neighbourhood in North Gaza. Bravery and carrying for others was something that was honoured in his home. Mohammed and his family’s life changed forever on Aug. 3 2014.

When bombs started falling and they heard screams from their neighbours’ home, Mohamed’s 21-years-old brother, Ahed, was one of the men who went outside to help evacuate their neighbours’ family. He was severely injured while carrying one of their neighbours’ children.  He died before reaching the hospital.

“He died with honour,” says his mother, with tears in her eyes. “He saved a life. He always made me proud. When he died, he made me more and more proud of him,” she adds.

“He died with honour,” says his mother, with tears in her eyes. “He saved a life. He always made me proud. When he died, he made me more and more proud of him,” she adds.

Ahed owned a car maintenance shop. He was very well-known and respected in his community and his field. “He was the best brother ever,” repeats Mohammed. “He never forgot to bring me chocolates, and every weekend he used to take us all out. My father is sick and he cannot work. But, because Ahed was with us; we never needed anything, as he gave us everything,” he adds.  

World Vision has been providing psychosocial support in Mohammed’s neighbourhood and set up Child Friendly Spaces which have been operating during ceasefires in the Vulnerability Groups and Care Centre (VGCC). Here, hundreds of children come regularly and receive different types of psychosocial support from the Child Friendly Space staff. Mohammed has been participating in World Vision’s psychosocial support activities as well.

“He needs someone to listen to him because he has a lot to say... He needed to express his feelings and receive support to show the strength in his soul,” says Ismail, World Vision Child Friendly Space staff. 

“He needs someone to listen to him because he has a lot to say,” says Ismail, the head of the Child Friendly Staff. “He admires his brother and this is clear in every single act he does. He needed to express his feelings and receive support to show the strength in his soul,” he adds.

Mohammed has been coming to the Child Friendly Space regularly and is a very engaged participant in most of the activities. “I loved the drawings, all the paintings, coloured pencils and papers; everything is beautiful here,” says Mohammed. “I love to speak with my teacher, Isamil. He makes me feel better and he says that I am a strong boy. He recently asked me to join him in arranging plays and parties for our Child Friendly Spaces,” says Mohammed.

“I want to grow up fast and to learn a lot of things. I love music and I want to learn how to play it. I want to reopen my brother’s shop and help other people,” Mohammed continues.

“It is not much or difficult what [the children] need,” explains Ismail. “They need someone who cares for and listens to them. They want someone who they can trust to share what they feel. This is what these Child Friendly Spaces give them,” he adds.

Mohammed’s involvement in World Vision’s Child Friendly Space has resulted in a remarkably positive change in his personality. “It is not much or difficult what [the children] need,” explains Ismail. “They need someone who cares for and listens to them. They want someone who they can trust to share what they feel. This is what these Child Friendly Spaces give them,” he adds.

Mohammed was one of the facilitators of an event; he helped organize a party for other children. “I felt very happy. It was an amazing party where everyone was happy. All my friends were also very happy,” says Mohammed.  

World Vision has opened 40 Child Friendly Spaced as part of the initial emergency response to the needs in Gaza. To date, approximately, 4,000 children have received psychosocial support through experienced and trained staff. 

World Vision Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza continues to work through its programmes to impact the lives of over 200,000 children in its 117 communities. World Vision works throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, seeking to improve the livelihoods of families and children and ensure all children are cared for, protected and participating towards a brighter future.