Amid the narrow streets of Khan Younis’ Al-Masri Camp and inside Nazwa Youth School in Al-Zawayda, new spaces of hope have begun to open for children living under the daily weight of trauma and instability. In these communities deeply affected by conflict NAFAS for Empowerment conducted a series of psychosocial support sessions as part of its Trauma Prevention Program, designed to protect children and strengthen their ability to express and cope.
Over recent weeks, children took part in interactive and art based activities such as “The Language of Images,” “Life Line,” and “The Ideal City.” These sessions were not simply workshops; they were safe emotional spaces where children rediscovered their ability to feel, communicate, and reconnect with themselves.
In these moments, silence turned into stories, sadness transformed into color, and fear gave way to pure, unfiltered laughter.
Among the participants were powerful stories shaped by loss and resilience.
Jana, who lost her mother during the war, found in art a language capable of carrying the weight of her heart.
Ibtisam, who said a difficult goodbye to her father, is gradually rebuilding a sense of safety and trust.
And Mohammed, who continues to face a severe injury, insisted on joining the sessions turning his pain into a source of strength that inspired everyone around him.
These children were not simply attending therapy they were young heroes, redefining what resilience means.
According to session facilitators, the children showed noticeable progress in their ability to communicate, express emotions, and regain natural behavioral patterns. They emphasized that providing a compassionate and secure environment is the cornerstone of psychological recovery, noting the crucial role artistic activities played in helping the children release emotions that are often too heavy to verbalize.
At NAFAS for Empowerment, these sessions are more than technical interventions; they are windows through which children can see beyond their pain.
We extend small hands toward the light and help build the first steps toward a more stable and hopeful future.
NAFAS extends its sincere gratitude to the facilitators, volunteers, and all who believe that psychological support for children is a fundamental right, and that hope no matter how fragile can always be reborn.