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 beyond the confines of the tent, such as washing, cleaning, and other chores.

Before being displaced to Deir Al-Balah, Isra used to live in Al-Karama neighborhood in northern Gaza. Now, she resides in the “Noor Camp” with her family and other displaced families from northern Gaza. This displacement was a result of the devastating Israeli genocidal war that has dragged on for over a year. Despite not being officially employed, she used to be a full-time community activist, heavily engaged in community mobilization with civil society organizations in Gaza.

Life is hard—not easy at all, whether personally or in terms of work—amid tension and a lack of security. Yet, I am determined to support vulnerable groups, especially children and women. Being displaced in a tent, I face many obstacles, but I am still hopeful and believe I can give back despite the limited opportunities and resources.

Says Israa.

She considers her participation in community initiatives a valuable prospect for personal development, boosting self-confidence and engaging with multi-cultural and generational backgrounds. She describes this as an opportunity to pursue her passion for learning and giving back to her community, stating, “These initiatives enhance my sense of social responsibility; serving the community in one way or another, positively impacting individuals’ well-being.”

The Storyteller Initiative

One of the initiatives Isra has actively contributed to is the Storyteller Initiative, organized by the Social Developmental Forum’s youth network. Her role involved engaging children in recreational activities, including songs, icebreakers, and group games.

She explains: “I wanted to help children release some of the tensions they have been enduring in displacement camps. The initiative allowed them a temporary break to escape their daily routines, which had been imposed by war—fetching water, collecting food, and other exhausting tasks. I wanted to help them reclaim even a small part of their right to play.”

The children’s positive reactions to the initiative motivated Isra to volunteer as a facilitator, participating in all the initiative’s sessions and events alongside her colleague, Mohammad Abu Sa’da, and a group of volunteers at the SDF’s dynamic youth network.

Isra fondly recalls, “The thing I loved most was when children would come to me and ask, ‘Will you come back? We want you to stay with us all the time. We have had so much fun with you.’” The warmth and gratitude expressed by the children and their families filled Isra and her team with love and pride, proving that even small efforts can make a significant difference.

The initiative usually begins with light energizers for the children before the storyteller starts narrating the tale. As the story unfolded, the children would sit quietly, transported to a magical world filled with joy, excitement, and imagination. Isra and her fellow facilitators would join the children in eagerly following the story’s twists and turns. Afterward, they would encourage the children to share their thoughts and answer questions posed by the storyteller. The sessions usually conclude with funny games and singing activities.

A Sense of Social Responsibility

“The children’s enthusiasm was amazing. From the very first moment we entered the shelter holding speakers and games until the end of every session, they kept a remarkable momentum.” Say Israa. She actively involves the children by seeking their input on games and songs for the activities. Her focus is on helping them feel safe and secure while participating in the initiative. When asked about her motivation, she responded: “It comes from a sense of social responsibility and love for working with children and different groups in society, especially during times of war.”

Isra admires the dedication of the young volunteers involved in the initiative, finding their enthusiasm inspiring. For her, this is a space to pursue her passion for supporting children through recreational activities. For Isra, when volunteers and children connect during the activities, the scene is perfectly complete, and the day becomes lighter for everyone in the camp.

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