The high unemployment rate in Palestine (52% overall, 75% among women heads of household) means more and more children are lacking the necessary supplies and clothing to attend school. Today we were able to offer some hope via school uniform and supplies for 190 children in Rafah. Mashallah! Each child received:• Jeans • 1 shirt…
The high unemployment rate (52% overall, 75% among women heads of household) means more and more children are lacking the necessary supplies and clothing to attend school. Getting an education is a a gift that empowers minds, fosters bright futures, and provides opportunities. In Gaza, going to school also enables children to escape the trauma…
All of us at KinderUSA send our warmest wishes for a blessed Eid al Adha! During this Eid, we want to bring to your attention a health crisis in Gaza affecting children of all ages. Child malnutrition in Gaza has doubled in the last year and continues to increase as a result of the devastating…
In Gaza, families live under strict siege of land, sea, and air blockade, limiting the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. Further, funding cuts to UNRWA coupled with frequent military attacks have disproportionately affected children’s physical and psychological well-being. During Ramadan, KinderUSA implemented a program for children from 8 of the…
Five year old Lina lives with her 9 member family on the border in Rafah, one of the poorest and most dangerous areas to live in Gaza due to the tunnels. All the children in the family suffer from malnourishment and all exhibit signs of stunting and rickets in addition to post traumatic stress disorder,…
Today, on World Refugee Day, we reflect on the importance of family. We are reminded of how Palestinian families in Gaza, the West Bank, and among the larger diaspora, scattered across the globe, persevere against a backdrop of continued denial of respect for human dignity, freedom, and universal human rights. These are values which we…
The people in Gaza are unjustly suffering and deserve the right to live as dignified human beings. Calls continue to come in to KinderUSA asking for food assistance. In the final days of Ramadan, over 2000 families have received healthy, nutritious food, restoring a portion of the dignity that has been stripped from them. Mohammed’s…
The final days of Ramadan finds many families grateful to all who contributed to the fresh food distribution, making this month one where they did not have to worry about how they will feed their children. Akram and Sabreen, one of the families thankful for your generosity, live in Rafah with their 9 children, the oldest…
Did you know that food insecurity in Gaza affects 1.3 million people and is driven by high poverty and unemployment rates? Manar heads a household of 7 in Khan Younis. Unemployed and without a fixed income, Manar hauls merchandise for businesses in a rented donkey cart and lives on approximately $2 a day after paying…
Palestinian children are growing up with a deep sense of hopelessness and insecurity about their future. According to UNICEF, one in four children are in need of psychosocial support to prevent the progression of mental health disorders. Left untreated, children face major challenges from educational attainments to leading productive lives. In addition to our Ramadan…
The high unemployment rate in Palestine (52% overall, 75% among women heads of household) means more and more children are lacking the necessary supplies and clothing to attend school.
Today we were able to offer some hope via school uniform and supplies for 190 children in Rafah. Mashallah!
Each child received:
• Jeans
• 1 shirt for boys / school uniform for girls
• Underwear (2 pairs)
• Backpack• Notebook
• Shoes• Pencil & pencil case
• Water color set
• Sharpener
• Color Pencils
• Leather ruler
• Binder with paper
Our work is far from done. We need your support. Give today to keep hope alive for these children. No amount is too small.
The high unemployment rate (52% overall, 75% among women heads of household) means more and more children are lacking the necessary supplies and clothing to attend school.
Getting an education is a a gift that empowers minds, fosters bright futures, and provides opportunities. In Gaza, going to school also enables children to escape the trauma of life under siege and to feel normal.
Many families in Gaza do not have the funds to buy uniforms or school supplies for their children, who prefer to stay home rather than attend school in tattered, ill-fitting uniforms. The high unemployment rate (52% overall, 75% among women heads of household) means more and more children are lacking the necessary supplies and clothing to attend school.
Last year, Um Raeda, who heads a family of 10 was relieved to have her children fitted with school uniforms. “I don’t have the money and my children feel shame to go to school. This voucher gave us all a chance to hope.”
This year, as in the past, KinderUSA will provide families with vouchers to purchase trousers and shirts for the boys, dresses for the girls, shoes, socks, underwear, and a school bag with all the necessary supplies to get them through the year.
To get an education in Gaza means jumping hurdles. The economic deprivation, coupled with continuous power outages, sometimes up to 20 hours a day, affects their ability to study, concentrate, and learn. Electricity outages also affect the schools’ ability to provide safe drinking water for their students.
“Despite these obstacles,” said Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, Board Chair, KinderUSA, “even the most destitute children in Gaza still want to go to school and learn. The least we can do is help them participate with dignity by providing clothing and supplies like everyone else.”
Next week more than half a million children will go back to school in Gaza. We will be caring for at least 525 students. You can help empower these eager young minds by supplying them with the necessary clothing and supplies for as little as $40 per child. The future of children in Gaza depends on our support.
During this Eid, we want to bring to your attention a health crisis in Gaza affecting children of all ages.
Child malnutrition in Gaza has doubled in the last year and continues to increase as a result of the devastating effects of the ongoing blockade. Unemployment is at a staggering 49% (women 71%)- the world’s highest –wreaking havoc on households and devastating the economy. Parents do not have the money to put food on the table for their children. “Many families wait for neighbors to help and relief agencies. There is not much they can do, so they wait,” reports Hana, KinderUSA Country coordinator.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), families are not receiving enough iron rich foods resulting in high rates of anemia. The WHO further reports that “more than 6 percent of infants have never been breastfed, and more than 55 percent of infants are not exclusively breastfeeding.” Mothers do not have the nourishment to lactate and many suffer anemia during pregnancy ultimately relying on relief agencies to provide infant formula after giving birth.
“Breastfeeding is known to increase immunity and protect infants from certain infections as well as reduce their exposure to water-borne illnesses causing diarrhea,” said Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, Chair of KinderUSA. “The forced siege of Gaza is disabling the population, preventing women even from nourishing their own children with breastmilk. While the world focuses on advancing breastfeeding in places like Africa to protect children, we are watching a deliberate policy undermine those very efforts in Gaza. ”
KinderUSA continues to provide sustainable meals to children in summer camp and during the school year with our nutritional meals program which kicks off in September.
Until the blockade ends, babies will continue to be born into homes without food and at risk of disease. Gazans are being prevented from supporting themselves and even international aid is not making much of a difference. The blockade must end.
This Eid, please help us provide sustenance and hope to the families in Gaza and consider making a donation today: $25, $50, $100 or whatever is meaningful to you.
In Gaza, families live under strict siege of land, sea, and air blockade, limiting the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. Further, funding cuts to UNRWA coupled with frequent military attacks have disproportionately affected children’s physical and psychological well-being.
During Ramadan, KinderUSA implemented a program for children from 8 of the most marginalized areas of Gaza. Our goal was to reach 1400 children, but when parents heard of the program, they pleaded with representatives to include their children as “they have nothing here.” In the end, 1950 children participated in a month of activities that included a meal to break fast at the close of each day.
Children ranged in age from 7-15 who come from families with no income, makeshift housing, and have no safe play areas. From story-telling to basketball, young coordinators were paid a stipend to bring 4 hours a day of fun filled activity for these children. “Many of the children did not eat all their food, taking it home to their families who did not have such a meal”, said Ahmed, a coordinator. “Most of the children were nervous at first. Their families cannot afford taking them to special places, like a garden or sports club because they are very poor and consider playing games a luxury, not a basic need.” “Children have an inherent right to play, and to think children are growing up with belief that play is a luxury informs all of us, we must do better,” said Dr. Laila Al-Marayati, Chairperson KinderUSA.
KinderUSA is continuing this program through the summer so children will know that playing is not a luxury, but a right. Please consider making an online donation today to help us continue this program through the brutally hot summer days in Gaza.
Five year old Lina lives with her 9 member family on the border in Rafah, one of the poorest and most dangerous areas to live in Gaza due to the tunnels. All the children in the family suffer from malnourishment and all exhibit signs of stunting and rickets in addition to post traumatic stress disorder, a consequence of the repeated wars and cross border fighting.
Lina is a beneficiary of the nutritional meals program KinderUSA sponsors at her kindergarten. Since the program began, Lina’s weight has increased since the beginning of the semester and she has become more active and participatory in the classroom. Her mother, Heba, noted that Lina now looks forward to going to school and comes home “happy and talks about her day.” Often, she has taken some of her food home to share with her siblings who do not benefit from the program at their schools.
When you donate to KinderUSA, you are not simply supporting a charity, you are affirming the dignity of Palestinian children and, indeed, all the world’s children. We believe that every child deserves the right to live in peace and safety and to hope for a better future.
Today, on World Refugee Day, we reflect on the importance of family. We are reminded of how Palestinian families in Gaza, the West Bank, and among the larger diaspora, scattered across the globe, persevere against a backdrop of continued denial of respect for human dignity, freedom, and universal human rights.
These are values which we all share. Yet in Palestine, a mother must face the possible tragedy of her child dying alone in a hospital in Jerusalem while she remains behind in Gaza due to the denial of a travel permit. Palestinian mothers face a cruel dilemma. They know that if they do not allow their infant children to travel alone to Jerusalem – without the comfort of their voice or their loving touch – their children may die.
When you donate to KinderUSA, you are not simply supporting a charity, you are affirming the dignity of Palestinian children and, indeed, all the world’s children. We believe that every child deserves the right to live in peace and safety and to hope for a better future.
On World Refugee Day, we once again ask you to support these innocent children.
The people in Gaza are unjustly suffering and deserve the right to live as dignified human beings. Calls continue to come in to KinderUSA asking for food assistance. In the final days of Ramadan, over 2000 families have received healthy, nutritious food, restoring a portion of the dignity that has been stripped from them. Mohammed’s family is just one example.
Aged 12, Mohammed is one of 5 children in Fares and Rana’s home situated in Beit Lahia, Gaza. Each day after school Mohammed finds odd jobs to help his family as his father is physically disabled and can no longer work.
The family receives $100 a month in aid that helps with medicine, food, and all the household needs. Mohammed does his part bringing approximately $1 a day hauling trash, or delivering goods. “Whatever I can find!” says Mohammed, proudly.
Beneficiaries of the Ramadan fresh food distribution, Fares said, “Some weeks we live on one kilo of tomatoes. Its all we can afford. I don’t know when we last had meat or any full meal. This is a true blessing. My children have not seen this much food in a very long time. Thank you to all who gave us this chance.”
KinderUSA as reached the final stages of the second distribution of fresh food to families in Gaza. Through a policy of siege, now in its twelfth year, two million people are isolated, impoverished, and mostly ignored by the outside world. The injustice in Gaza is daunting, but YOU, our donors, have provided a glimmer of hope this Ramadan. Thank you.
The final days of Ramadan finds many families grateful to all who contributed to the fresh food distribution, making this month one where they did not have to worry about how they will feed their children. Akram and Sabreen, one of the families thankful for your generosity, live in Rafah with their 9 children, the oldest 15 and the youngest 4.
Recently evicted from their home due to unpaid rental, Akram, unemployed, found his family living in a tent for 2 weeks. Through the generosity of a local family, a parcel of land was offered so they could build a structure to keep their children off the streets. Gathering metal sheets and plastic sheathing, the family was able to keep the elements out though they have no electricity, water, windows or doors. “We must pay a monthly amount to build a home, which we do not have.” says Sabreen, “This gives us hope.”
The family receives approximately $130 a month from the Ministry of Social Affairs to pay for all their needs. Their oldest son was recently injured in an automobile accident losing an eye and now suffers from paralysis to his left side.
“Although there are dozens of the Ngo’s in Rafah, you are the only association who care for us and visit us” Sabreen told our field staff.
Upon receiving the first of 2 Ramadan fresh food distributions, Sabreen said, “For the gift from Allah, our family was chosen from the project during Ramadan and we have fresh vegetables, chicken and fruits and this quantity is enough for us. We also this month saved the amount of money to buy the glasses to my son Diab. I am very grateful to all. Thank you.”
The situation in Gaza continues to be intolerable with 2 million people besieged, isolated, and desperate.
All of us at KinderUSA remain humbled by your generosity which IS making a difference!
| Did you know that food insecurity in Gaza affects 1.3 million people and is driven by high poverty and unemployment rates? |
| Manar heads a household of 7 in Khan Younis. Unemployed and without a fixed income, Manar hauls merchandise for businesses in a rented donkey cart and lives on approximately $2 a day after paying rent for the cart. His children range in age of 4-12 years old and have the needs of any child in school and growing. The family receives $33 a month in food aid from UNRWA who recently stated that over 1 million people in Gaza risk going hungry unless the international community fills the gapping whole in funding after cuts to the organization. Like many in Gaza today, Manar considers suicide “often” according to his wife, Maysoon, but the children are “too young and whatever we can do, we will do it to survive.” Also, like many in Gaza, two of their children require medical treatment, one in need of a cornea transplant and another congenital heart defect. A recipient of the Ramadan fresh food distribution, Maysoon was so elated. “We have not this much food in our home in months! I cannot remember the last time we had meat, and now we have living chickens! Please thank all the people who contributed. May Allah reward them all!” Your donations are coming at a critical time for Gazans, considerably improving their dire nutritional and living conditions. We are halfway to our goal this Ramadan and thank you all who have contributed to this program. Our work is only possible serving with your continued support. |
Palestinian children are growing up with a deep sense of hopelessness and insecurity about their future. According to UNICEF, one in four children are in need of psychosocial support to prevent the progression of mental health disorders. Left untreated, children face major challenges from educational attainments to leading productive lives.
In addition to our Ramadan food distribution, KinderUSA is supporting 1450 children from 7 areas of Gaza devastated by war and the ongoing blockade (approx. 200 children from each area). Local youth are paid a small stipend to act as mentors implementing activities during the month of Ramadan. Each area will implement balloon launching, parachute games, relay races, cultural competition, and story telling to name some of the activities. The beneficiary children were an integral part of the decision making process as to which games and programs to implement. “When we arrived to the area for the initial meeting, the children chased the bus!”, said Mohammed. “They are anxious to be a part of the fun.”
At the close of each day, a meal is provided with some children carrying the meals home to eat with their families, while others stay and break fast with their friends. Thank you to all who made this program possible for the children in Gaza!
We envision a free, just and peaceful Palestine where children thrive and look forward to a productive future, like children everywhere.
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