The Social Developmental Forum (SDF), led by its genuine youth network, implemented a week-long intervention, “Safe Return,” to support displaced families returning from the South of the Gaza Strip to their homes in the north. SDF’s staff members and youth network were distributed into three geographical segments; Al Newari hill in Al-Nusairat camp, the 17th […]
Aya Abu Jahal: Addressing loss through supporting others
From being surrounded by family and friends and actively engaged in community service to enduring the pain of displacement and loss. Aya’s story is this of all Palestinians who have been struggling over a year of genocide in Gaza. Yet, her voice, persistence, and pursuit amid the hardships, are remarkable! Recently, 22-year-old Aya finished her […]
Khaled Hamdan: A young volunteer of water distribution initiative in Northern Gaza
Since the onset of the war, northern Gaza has endured uniquely challenging harsh conditions, surpassing the struggles faced by other governorates. The severe water shortage has become a fundamental struggle for those who couldn’t or didn’t forcibly leave to the South. Khaled Hamdan, a member of the Social Developmental Forum’s Youth Network, used to be […]
Cinema in Displacement Safe Learning Spaces
A unique atmosphere amid a dark night—no lights, just a few colors flickering on a screen projected onto the side of a tent or a light fabric, where children’s eyes were glued. This screen created a sense of “cinema”, most importantly, a glimmer of hope, through which children “took a break”—one far away from war […]
Such initiatives engage girls in activities that mitigate the hardships of displacement in make-shift tents
Being displaced means enduring daily-basis challenges and lacking a normal lifestyle. For women and girls, the challenges are even harder. Despite their efforts to remain resilient, the situation is just getting harder. Isra Qaoud is a 25-year-old displaced woman, who strives to challenge stereotypes through active participation in community initiatives and contributing to various activities […]
Traditional Dabkeh Dance: A watch and practice training
A patriotic Palestinian song “We swear to Allah, we will never leave” echoes through a large displacement camp in the heart of Deir Al-Balah, drawing attention to an intriguing scene: young men gathering near their tents in the large yard by the camp entrance, watching a group of children, holding hands and learning the Palestinian […]
The “Girls’ Tent”: a youth-led initiative in Northern Gaza
Despite the ongoing war and critical challenges of displacement and siege, SDF’s Youth Network (SYN) is determined to lead impactful actions that foster youth engagement and resilience. Recently, SYN launched the “Girls’ Tent” initiative, targeting displaced girls and women in northern Gaza. This initiative is one of the thematic interventions under SDF’s national relief response […]