UNFPA Delegation Visits MA’AN Youth Center in Deir Al-Balah
MA’AN Youth Center in Deir Al-Balah received a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) during a two-day field visit aimed at following up on the progress of work and learning more about the activities and services provided to youth and adolescents amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.
Over Wednesday and Thursday, representatives from UNFPA held a series of meetings and tours inside the center, during which they were briefed on the implemented programs and activities. They also listened to the views of youth and adolescents regarding the services provided and the extent to which these services contribute to meeting their needs and enhancing their community participation.
During the visit, the center’s team presented the key interventions and activities implemented within the youth safe spaces, including life skills development programs, psychosocial support, sexual and reproductive health awareness, and youth-led community initiatives. The team also highlighted a variety of activities that contribute to enhancing the well-being of youth and adolescents, developing their capacities, and supporting their resilience in facing current challenges.
The delegation also met with a number of youth and adolescent beneficiaries of the center’s services, giving them the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions about the activities provided. Participants emphasized that the center represents a safe and supportive space for them, enabling them to learn, grow, acquire new skills, and build positive relationships with their peers, while also providing an environment that offers hope and opportunities for active participation in their communities.
The visit highlighted the positive impact achieved through the center’s activities and reaffirmed the importance of the role played by youth centers in providing safe and inclusive environments for youth and adolescents. These efforts contribute to strengthening their community participation, developing their capacities, and empowering them to face the challenges imposed by the current humanitarian situation.
This visit comes as part of the ongoing partnership between MA’AN Development Center and the United Nations Population Fund, and within their joint efforts to support youth and adolescents by providing services and opportunities that help them grow, learn, and build a more stable future.
