Mai and Sara (not their real names) are 10-year-old twin sisters living in central Gaza with their mother and two younger siblings. Because of the current conflict, their father and two brothers were tragically killed, and their family home destroyed. Over the past three years, dealing with security fears and extreme economic instability, the family has had to move multiple times.
The loss of their father and brothers, and the constant upheaval, have left Mai and Sara deeply traumatized. “After losing my husband and my two sons, the light faded from my twins’ eyes,” their mother said. Mai and Sara have suffered from intense grief, night terrors, ongoing fears for their safety, and social withdrawal. In addition, they’ve had no access to schooling during this period, leaving them far behind in development.
Fortunately for Mai and Sara, their mother was able to enroll them in an IOCC program for youth in Gaza. Through this program, they’ve been able to attend classes in core subjects, take part in extracurricular activities, and receive critical psychosocial support sessions to help them address their trauma.
Mai and Sara said of their experience in the program: “We now eagerly look forward to the sessions. We love the classes and the chance to play with our new friends. In this place, we forget our fear for a little while.”
