UNRWA’s Summer Fun Weeks get underway in Gaza

UNRWA’s Summer Fun Weeks (SFW) are taking place between 23 July and 11 August in over 120 different locations across the Gaza Strip, including installations that facilitate the participation of children with special needs. The SFW include sports activities such as football, basketball, and popular games like trampolines, slides or sack races. Other activities such as handicrafts and drawing will also be offered. Around 140,000 students have already registered.

This year, each area will have a specific theme. In the northern area, Beit Hanoun and Jabalia, the focus will be on mental health in children’s overall well-being because this region was one of those most affected by the 2014 hostilities. The theme in Gaza city is “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” to raise awareness of the value of natural resources. In the Middle Area the spotlight will be on democracy and child parliaments, with children taking on roles such as the UN Secretary-General, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA or the Director of UNRWA Operations during simulations of UN bodies and agencies. Khan Yunis will explore traditional Palestinian food and dance, and in Rafah children will have their summer fun activities in English. They will be in contact with children across the globe to practice their language skills and exchange experiences.

During the 2014 conflict, a total of 548 Palestinian children lost their lives and about 1,000 children were injured – some so badly that they will have permanent disabilities for the rest of their lives. Thousands more were displaced. The SFW is one of many efforts by UNRWA to support refugee children’s psychosocial needs by providing them with a safe and fun place to play and the possibility of developing new friendships.