Transforming Trauma: Empowering Youth Through Safe Access and Inclusive Education in the West Bank
On a warm afternoon in July 2023, children gathered in front of the community centre of a small village in the Governorate of Bethlehem, exchanging lively greetings and catching up on the latest developments in their lives. Fatima*, the confident 28-year-old facilitator, walked among them, efficiently preparing them for today’s activities. As she guided them through stretching exercises, she reflected on the transformative journey of personal growth that led her to become a confident and passionate volunteer, supporting children in her community to deal with stress and trauma.
The journey began a few months ago when Fatima heard that the European Union funded “Safe Access to Inclusive and Dignified Education in Areas B and C- West Bank” project, was seeking community volunteers. Despite her passion for helping children, Fatima had never worked with an international organization and doubted her ability to contribute effectively. Overcoming her lack of confidence, she joined and soon underwent a 10-day training in Hebron, alongside 20 other participants from different partner organizations.
The first part of the training equipped her with skills to support caregivers so they could help their children express and deal with their feelings and emotions. The second part focused on a psychosocial support approach called “Team-Up”. These training were conducted by War Child Holland, the main partner and co-implementer of this project with World Vision.
The Team-Up approach provides children aged from 6 to 18 with a range of structured sports, play and movement activities designed to help them navigate complex emotions. Each activity targets specific themes like managing anger, stress and interpersonal interactions. Ultimately, the Team-Up programme provides children with emotional support and a much-needed sense of stability.
Children in the West Bank often face violent and challenging situations that may trigger stress and trauma. Without support to help them cope with these feelings, they are at risk of developing behavioural issues, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The project, aims to provide this support, improving their resilience through the education system by offering life-sustaining and life-saving physical, psychosocial, and cognitive support.
The training proved to be a game-changer for Fatima, equipping her with essential skills to work with caregivers and children while significantly boosting her self-confidence. As part of an efficient team, she found the support she needed to engage effectively in the training and later apply her newfound skills during sessions with children and caregivers.
After completing the training, Fatima initiated Team-Up sessions with children and adolescents. Demonstrating remarkable flexibility, she tailored each session to the specific needs of the attending children, considering factors such as age, available space, and physical and sensory abilities ensuring that every child felt valued and supported.
“Before the training, I used to be nervous and impatient with children. Now I understand much better their needs and how to support them in dealing with the challenges they face. I feel I can make a difference,” says Fatima.
* Names were changed.