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Gaza orphan sponsorship: A comprehensive guide
Oct 9, 2024
Helping the orphans in Gaza: a detailed guide
By Yusuf Jaffar
•
4 min read
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has left thousands of children orphaned and vulnerable, in dire need of assistance. Sponsoring an orphan in Gaza provides life-saving support, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the significance of Gaza orphan sponsorship, how you can get involved, and the profound impact it can make on the lives of these children.
Why helping orphans in Gaza matters to you
Sponsoring orphans in Gaza is a crucial humanitarian effort that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of children who have been left vulnerable due to ongoing conflict and crises.
Why It Matters
The situation for children in Gaza is dire and deeply concerning as they face numerous challenges due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The impact on children is multifaceted, affecting their safety, health, education, and overall well-being.
Key impacts on children in Gaza:
- High casualty rates: The conflict has led to a significant number of child casualties, with over 15,000 children reported killed in the recent war, and many more injured or missing . The indiscriminate nature of the violence has left nowhere safe for children in Gaza.
- Physical disabilities: Many children have suffered severe injuries leading to disabilities. On average, ten children lose one or both legs each day due to the conflict . These injuries occur under brutal conditions, often without adequate medical care.
- Educational disruption: Gaza's educational system has been severely disrupted, with all 625,000 enrolled students losing a full scholastic year. Many schools have been damaged or repurposed as shelters . This disruption affects children's future prospects and their right to education.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Approximately 90% of children in Gaza face severe nutritional threats due to the collapse of food systems . Malnutrition is widespread, and many children lack access to adequate and diverse diets, impacting their growth and development.
- Mental health challenges: Ongoing violence and instability have profound effects on children's mental health. Many require psychosocial support due to the trauma of losing family members and living in constant fear .
- Displacement and loss of family: Many children have been displaced multiple times and have lost parents or caregivers. This displacement increases their vulnerability and need for protection .
The humanitarian situation in Gaza calls for comprehensive support for children. Efforts must focus on providing immediate relief—such as food, medical care, and shelter—while addressing long-term needs like education and mental health support. These measures are crucial for safeguarding the future of Gaza's children amid ongoing adversity.
Where are the orphans in Gaza being housed?
Living Conditions of Orphans in Gaza
Shelters and schools: Many orphans and displaced children in Gaza are living in shelters set up in schools. These include facilities operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other organizations.
For example, the Al-Daraj School shelter in Gaza City is one of the largest, housing thousands of displaced individuals, including many children. However, these shelters are overcrowded, with limited access to essential resources like food, water, and sanitation.
Temporary arrangements: Some organizations have relocated orphans and widows to neighboring countries like Egypt, where aid continues to be provided. However, these arrangements are often temporary and subject to available resources and security conditions.
How to choose programs for helping the orphans in Gaza?
Key Considerations for Selecting a Sponsorship Program
Program focus and services: Choose programs that offer comprehensive support, including food, shelter, education, healthcare, and psychosocial services. Organizations like Islamic Relief Canada and Orphans in Need provide holistic care that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of orphans.
Transparency and accountability: Opt for programs that provide regular updates on the impact of your sponsorship. Organizations like the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) offer detailed progress reports and updates, allowing you to see the direct impact of your contributions.
Selection criteria: Understand how orphans are selected for sponsorship. Programs often prioritize children based on vulnerability, financial need, family size, housing conditions, and health. This ensures that the most vulnerable children receive the necessary support.
Flexibility and long-term support: Consider whether the program offers flexibility in sponsorship duration and supports orphans beyond basic needs. Some programs, for instance, continue support up to age 24 if the orphan is pursuing higher education or has medical needs.
Muslim organizations helping orphans in Gaza through LaunchGood
Islamic Relief: Support Orphans and Provide Urgent Aid for the People of Palestine
This campaign, in collaboration with Mayeesha Zarif, seeks to provide urgent aid for the people of Palestine and support orphans who have been affected by the ongoing crisis. The funds raised will help deliver essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medical aid to those in need, as well as support orphans with access to education and other critical resources. By contributing, you can make a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families in Gaza.
Support Orphans and Provide Urgent Aid for the People of Palestine
International Humanitarian Relief: Sponsor Gaza Orphans
This campaign focuses on providing essential support to orphans in Gaza. By sponsoring an orphan, you can help provide critical resources such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Your contribution will make a lasting difference in the lives of children who have lost their families, offering them hope and stability during one of the most important times of the year.
Droplets of Mercy: Emergency Aid for Gaza - hope for orphaned children
This urgent campaign aims to provide life-saving emergency aid for the people of Gaza, addressing their immediate needs in the wake of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Contributions will help deliver critical supplies such as food, clean water, and medical care to orphans affected by the conflict. By supporting this campaign, you can help save lives and offer relief to those enduring unimaginable hardship.
Emergency Aid for Gaza - hope for orphaned children
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