In partnership with JICA: A New Project to Boost Gaza’s Human Capacity to Address Critical Needs
The Social Development Forum has launched its new project, “Human Resources Development through Training and Research Activities in Gaza,” funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented in collaboration with the Campaign for Children of Palestine (CCP Japan).
The project brings together a diverse group of trainees across the Gaza Strip, addressing the severe lack of skilled professionals in the humanitarian sector, a gap exacerbated by the ongoing displacement crisis. By building the capacities of young men and women, the programme equips them to contribute to humanitarian response and sustainable development efforts actively.
Comprehensive Training Programme
SDF has launched an intensive training program, targeting 30 young men and women in core humanitarian sectors. The programme is structured around three critical pathways essential to Gaza’s humanitarian response: Psychosocial First Aid(PFA), Community Awareness, and Aid Management and Distribution – with a dedicated focus on accountability
The training covered practical implementation of PFA sessions, recreational activities for children and adolescents, specialized case referral mechanisms, and providing adults with immediate coping and stress management strategies.
A significant component focused on designing and implementing field sessions and digital awareness campaigns covering protection, health, education, and hygiene, along with collecting and channeling community feedback to relevant stakeholders. Participants also received practical training in beneficiary registration processes, organizing equitable aid distribution, educating recipients about their rights, and operating feedback and complaint mechanisms.
A key programme objective emphasizes enhancing the participation of women and people with disabilities in humanitarian work. The programme ensures theoretical knowledge is transformed into practical application, while also focusing on producing updated needs assessment reports across vital humanitarian sectors.
Empowering the Young Generation with such Humanitarian Initiatives
The Human Resource Development project in Gaza is an opportunity to equip youth with the skills to improve their communities’ crisis response through hands-on training in psychosocial support, community awareness, aid management, and accountability.
Mahmoud Al-Zant, Director General of the SDF
SDF considers the programme as a humanitarian initiative aimed at empowering a new generation of local cadres in Gaza by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the humanitarian field in an organized, inclusive, and responsible manner, directly addressing the critical needs of Gaza’s community during and after the genocide.
Trainee Mahmoud Al-Malahi shared: “The training has been a new experience for me. It introduced fresh information and strengthened practical skills. I expect it to provide us with new skills that enhance both our professional and personal growth.”
The training provided me with new expertise and knowledge that I can apply in report writing, and I look forward to upcoming sessions to gain even more skills.
Samar Judah, participant
Since the beginning of the genocide in October 2023, SDF has implemented its emergency humanitarian and relief programme in Gaza, titled “Together For Palestine (T4P).” Over more than two years, the programme has supported tens of thousands of beneficiaries across various sectors.
Through this new programme, SDF is expanding its efforts to train youth and engage them in humanitarian work, aligning field operations with sustainable development goals and reinforcing its mission to support youth and vulnerable groups, including women and people with disabilities, while ensuring an inclusive humanitarian response.