“In 2024, I had the privilege of being part of the REFORM team during one of the most challenging times the Gaza Strip had ever faced—a fierce war that forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes and seek refuge in shelter camps.
Though I had received extensive training in conflict preparedness and protection during emergency crises, I never imagined I would have to apply this knowledge in such a harsh reality.
At the start of my mission in the Deir al-Balah camps, the situation was more dire than I had anticipated. The psychological and humanitarian conditions of the displaced were overwhelming—some families had lost everything, while others were desperately searching for safety amidst the destruction.
My role was to hold awareness-raising workshops and sessions on basic safety and survival skills, empower civilians with the tools and knowledge they need to be better prepared and protected against the use of explosive weapons, as well as teach them how to protect themselves in a dangerous environment.
One of the biggest challenges was addressing the reluctance of some community members to participate. Many believed the awareness-raising sessions could not change the harsh reality they were living in, making it difficult for them to hold onto hope. However, as time passed, they began to notice small but significant changes. Families started organizing their daily lives better and adopting protection methods to stay safer.
On a personal level, this experience profoundly shaped me. I learned that working in protection and awareness is not just about providing information—it’s about listening, understanding, and building trust. Each session taught me invaluable lessons in patience, persistence, and compassion.
I wasn’t just helping people protect themselves from immediate dangers; I was also helping them rebuild their resilience and readiness to face the risks around them. This journey remains the most transformative of my life.”
These trainings are organized in partnership with the Norwegian People’s Aid as part of the Palestine Early Emergency Response II project, which aims to strengthen resilience, solidarity, and social cohesion within Palestinian communities affected in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
