MA’AN Youth Center in Khan Younis implemented a series of diverse community activities and events during the first week of April, as part of the “Protection and Empowerment of Youth and Adolescents in the Gaza Strip” project, funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This comes ضمن its ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience and respond to the increasing needs amid the current humanitarian conditions.
These activities reaffirm the center’s vital role as a safe and inclusive space that empowers youth and adolescents to express themselves, develop their skills, and enhance their psychosocial well-being.
Raising Awareness on the Dangers of Explosive Ordnance
During the week, the center conducted an awareness activity marking the International Day for Mine Awareness, in coordination with the Risk Education team at MA’AN Development Center. The activity included two awareness sessions—one targeting adolescents and the other youth—focusing on increasing participants’ awareness of the risks associated with explosive ordnance, methods of prevention, and safe response mechanisms. This activity comes as part of ongoing efforts to protect lives and promote community awareness, especially in light of the escalating challenges in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing conflict.
Palestinian Children’s Day
On the occasion of Palestinian Children’s Day, the center organized a recreational activity targeting children, featuring a range of interactive segments and group games aimed at bringing joy to their hearts and alleviating the psychological stress they face. This activity reflects the center’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for children, upholding their right to play and live with dignity, and supporting their mental well-being amid difficult circumstances.
On World Health Day (April 7), the MA’AN Youth Center implemented an awareness activity targeting adolescents, youth, and parents, aiming to promote health awareness and highlight the importance of adopting healthy and safe lifestyles. The activity included interactive sessions addressing key health issues, including proper nutrition, the importance of physical exercise, and awareness of sexual and reproductive health, particularly in light of the challenges faced in the Gaza Strip. This activity is part of the center’s efforts to empower community members to make informed health decisions, based on the belief that health is the foundation of a dignified and stable life.
These activities reflect the MA’AN Youth Center’s commitment to strengthening its active presence within the local community. Its efforts go beyond service provision to building sustainable relationships of trust and communication with various community groups, while promoting a model based on partnership and integration with key stakeholders, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of community response and deepening the positive impact of interventions.
In addition to these events, the center continued to provide its regular services and programs, focusing on developing youth skills, raising awareness on sexual and reproductive health, offering psychosocial support services, and enabling youth to design and implement their own community-led initiatives. This is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at empowering a conscious and resilient generation capable of adapting and actively contributing to their community, despite the complex challenges facing the Gaza Strip.
