UNICEF: Support and counselling for Gaza's children

GAZA, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 21 April 2009 The conflict in Gaza, which occurred between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009, took a great economic, social and psychological toll on children and families. Many witnessed the deaths of caregivers, siblings and friends. All border crossings were virtually sealed; children and their families had nowhere to run, no refuge from the violence.

Children accounted for roughly a third of the dead and wounded due to the hostilities; 431 children were killed and 1,872 children were left injured.

It is further estimated that up to 30 per cent of people injured, including 560 children like Mona, sustained severe injuries that without proper rehabilitation could result in permanent disability.

But some of the wounds from the conflict are not visible. Sarah, 12, is receiving help from the Palestinian Centre for Democracy and Conflict Resolution which is supported by UNICEF and the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Department, also known as ECHO.

Before the invasion, we had a happy life, we used to have a garden, a very nice garden. Me and my other brothers and sister used to play in it, but after the war, this garden is gone, says Sarah. It disappeared with everything that used to be in it. It was replaced with destruction. Now, our life has turned into hell and is full of sadness.

To read the full story, visit http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/oPt_49418.html

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[BARCAxGIRL]

Thank you unicef for supporting gaza and helping their children :)

[RCvolunteer1978]

I do not understand restart the garden do some work rebuild move on instead of going to the UN for free coloring book I know children that they draw pictures make copies of the picture and then give to others to color in the drawing that they made YOU are teaching these children to beg to go crying to another country for help show them to build a garden give them gardening tools to grow their own food