Space to Be Children Again: Summer Camps Reach Hundreds Across the West Bank

The Makani Summer Camps, implemented by World Vision International with support from World Vision Canada and the Humanitarian Coalition, has successfully come to an end across eight camps in the central and southern West Bank, reaching nearly 628 children aged 6–11, including children with disabilities.

The camps offered safe, supportive spaces during the summer break amid ongoing conflict, school disruptions, and economic hardship. The need is acute and accelerating. In World Vision's 2026 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, 46% of caregivers reported that their child's mental health had worsened over the past year, while the amount of children showing frequent signs of distress had nearly doubled from 27% in November 2024 to 48% currently. Despite this, only 15% of children had accessed any psychosocial support in the previous three months.

Economic hardship, the collapse of essential services, and the wider climate of violence and instability are pushing families to breaking point — and children are bearing the consequences. For many families, these compounding strains also place structured summer activities out of reach, raising the risk of isolation and negative coping behaviours.

Over five days at each club, children took part in psychosocial support (PSS), social and emotional learning (SEL), sport, and creative activities — group games, arts, emotional-expression exercises, and friendly competitions designed to build self-confidence, encourage a healthy expressin of emotions, and foster positive relationships. The programme also trained local facilitators, strengthening community capacity to keep supporting children's well-being beyond the camps.

Among the stories reflecting the camps' impact was six-year-old Hala, who joined feeling shy and hesitant to interact with others. Through the activities she grew more confident, made new friends, and engaged actively. "I now love speaking in front of other children, and I made many new friends. I enjoy participating in all the games and activities," said Hala. Her mother noted a marked improvement in Hala's confidence and courage. Speaking about her future, Hala said: "I want to become a teacher and help children feel happy."

At the closing events, children received certificates celebrating their participation and spoke of the friendships and life skills they had gained. Most importantly, the camps allowed children to simply be children again — restoring a sense of normalcy, hope, and emotional safety.

Reflecting on the camps and the changes he observed, Izat Mansour, Head of Deir Istayeh Municipality, shared his appreciation:

"I am very happy to hear from our children about the skills they gained and the positive changes that took place in their roles at both the personal and community levels during these camps. I believe these children will help lead us towards a better future despite the difficult circumstances we face. We appreciate the role of organisations that support and empower our children."

Notes to Editors:

World Vision International works to improve the well-being of vulnerable children, families, and communities through integrated humanitarian, development, and advocacy programmes across the West Bank. 

The Humanitarian Coalition (HC) supports humanitarian responses addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable children and families affected by crises. 

World Vision Canada supports programmes that enhance child protection, psychosocial support, education, and safe community environments for children and families affected by conflict.

For more information, please contact:

Mathieu Andre, Communications & Advocacy Manager at World Vision Jerusalem - West Bank, Mathieu_Andre@wvi.org I +41 78 242 92 44