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Where There is Violence
We Cultivate Hope
Healing Through Feeling (HTF), UPA’s flagship program in Gaza, began in the wake of the 2016 aggression on Gaza. Delivered through kindergartens, the program established a trauma- informed system of care to support the well-being of children facing adversities caused by the relentless blockade and recurring military assaults. Our psycho- education sessions for parents and teachers led by local mental health professionals, built a cushion of support around Gaza’s children through increasing awareness of trauma, while providing caregivers with tools to alleviate the psychological struggles of their children.
Not only did we lose the mechanism through which we delivered these services with the destruction of all schools in Gaza, the ongoing assault has exacerbated these conditions and precipitated an epidemic of trauma. While the continuous bombardment brought HTF to a sudden pause, providing this type of support remained a priority for UPA. We pivoted to an all-inclusive method, extending care to anyone who needed it, and delivered urgent psychosocial support through mobile medical teams equipped with psychosocial workers who provided critical support across shelters.
As with all our programs, UPA is here to stay, no matter the challenges. Helping our people to remain resilient is a duty we take seriously. Now and in the future.
Please scan the QR code to watch a brief video about our work in Gaza
GAZA STRIP 13