What does the future look like for a child who has known only fear?

Thousands of Gazan children are living through a never-before-seen crisis. Many have witnessed family members and friends injured or killed. They’ve been forced to flee the safety of their homes, some with no choice but to sleep in the street. 

Without dependable access to food, water, sanitation, and medical supplies, many are at risk of starvation or serious illness. The terror of living under daily airstrikes will leave profound psychological scars that will likely shape their lives long after the violence ends. 

As Gaza looks toward the future, wellbeing support is becoming more necessary than ever.

A crisis affecting an entire generation

More than 50% of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents are children. Some struggle to sleep. Others become withdrawn, anxious, or unable to concentrate. Many are trying to process experiences that no child should ever have to face — the loss of loved ones, the destruction of their homes, and the repeated disruption of their lives. 

With 90% of schools damaged or destroyed in the war, and community spaces no longer accessible, children have lost more than just physical infrastructure. They have lost safe spaces where they can learn, play, and begin to make sense of what they have lived through. 

At the same time, the systems designed to support communities are under immense strain. Mental health care is virtually non-existent, and many caregivers are themselves dealing with trauma. And the saddest thing is, none of this is their fault. They are innocent. 

Creating space for recovery

If people here are to rebuild their lives and their society, access to psychosocial support needs to be at the heart of the community. Creating spaces where people can begin to process their experiences and begin to feel safe again is a crucial first step in calling a place home. 

Whatever the politics, children should always feel safe — and this is what we are trying to achieve.

Action For Humanity is currently supporting 1,555 displaced children across Gaza through our Restoring Joy and Building Bridges project. Our teams are delivering targeted psychosocial interventions designed to meet children where they are, helping them develop coping mechanisms and rebuild emotional resilience. 

Watch the video below to see how we are creating space for children’s recovery:

From trauma to artistic expression

For younger children, art therapy sessions offer a way to communicate what cannot always be put into words. Through drawing, colour, and creative play, children are able to express emotions, share experiences, and begin to process trauma in a way that feels safe and accessible. 

For adolescents, life skills sessions provide practical tools to manage stress, build confidence, and strengthen emotional awareness. These sessions are supported with dignity kits, ensuring young people also have access to essential items alongside structured guidance. Together, these activities help children begin to understand and navigate their emotions. 

Restoring routine and connection 

Alongside structured support, children can take part in recreational activities and wellbeing-focused days. These moments are simple, but psychologically important. They help restore routine, create opportunities for connection, and allow children to play together — something that is often lost in conflict settings. 

Even small moments of normality can have a lasting impact. Parents and caregivers have reported seeing positive changes, with some children becoming more engaged, communicative, and at ease. 

Building resilience in the long term 

Working closely with local NGOs, community-based organisations and government bodies, we protect children from harm and support their psychosocial wellbeing using holistic and integrated approaches. 

We work to improve access to mental health, education and child protection services, with specific support to adolescent girls who have experienced trauma and engage in strategies to resolve interpersonal conflict. 

Alongside this, our Orphan Sponsorship programme provides consistent, tailored support to children who have lost one or both parents — helping to meet their basic needs while creating a stable foundation for their emotional and social development.

How you can help 

Your support helps us continue delivering essential psychosocial care to children in Gaza. 

Donate today to help provide safe spaces, structured support, and opportunities for recovery.

Support children in Gaza today.

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