Under the project “Supporting Community-Led Responses in Gaza,” and in line with a human rights-based approach that emphasizes the importance of engaging communities in identifying their needs and priorities and amplifying their voices, MA’AN Development Center continues to support and empower Community Protection Committees to identify local needs and priorities and implement initiatives that respond to the needs of displaced families.
This is carried out through direct consultations with residents and meaningful community participation in identifying the most urgent interventions, thereby reinforcing the principles of participation, non-discrimination, and accountability.
Within this framework, and with the support and follow-up of MA’AN Development Center, the Protection Committees in Haifa Camp and Al-Hashash Camp implemented two community initiatives in response to needs identified by residents.
At Haifa Camp in Mawasi Al-Qarara, the “Protective Shield” initiative was implemented, including the distribution of airtight food storage containers and boxes to help families store food safely and protect it from contamination, rodents, and insects.
At Al-Hashash Camp in Mawasi Khan Younis, the “Healthy Touch” initiative was implemented, providing essential laundry and household cleaning supplies to contribute to improving the health and living conditions of displaced families.
The two initiatives targeted the most vulnerable and affected families, with particular attention given to female-headed households, based on the needs and criteria identified by the Protection Committees in consultation with the local community.
The distribution process in each camp also included a community mobilization and awareness session on the initiative’s theme and the safe use of the distributed items. Participants were also introduced to the project’s complaints and feedback mechanisms, and related informational brochures were distributed.
MA’AN Development Center, in cooperation with the Protection Committees, is continuing preparations to implement additional community initiatives based on the priorities identified by the targeted communities and their most urgent needs.
These activities reflect MA’AN Development Center’s approach to strengthening community participation and empowering local communities to lead responses to their own needs by supporting Protection Committees in identifying priorities and developing and implementing practical interventions that take into account the needs of the most vulnerable families and contribute to improving their living conditions.
