| GAZA RELIEF PROGRAM
PACES Gaza Relief Program in Support of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine: Evacuation and hosting of 68 children from SOS Children’s Village in Rafah to Bethlehem
In March 2024, A group of children without parental care was evacuated from the SOS Children’s Village in Rafah, Gaza. PACES is proud to provide these children necessary support throughout the coming year in Bethlehem.
Every child has the right to grow up in safety, with access to his/her basic needs. It is our collective responsibility to make sure that everything is done to make this right a reality.
About the Program
On March 8th 2024, 68 children from the SOS Children’s Village Rafah as well as 11 employees and their families were evacuated from Gaza and transported to Bethlehem where they arrived safely on March 11th. The children, aged between 2 and 14 years, are still in the care of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine, as they had already lost parental care before the war on Gaza. 46 of these children were enrolled in the PACES Sport for Development Program in Rafah, and as such we felt it our duty to step in and do our part in making sure they are provided for.
Although the children are now relatively safe, the SOS Children’s Village in Bethlehem is working on providing access to basic needs for this group of children. With the support of Yafa Foundation and the generous donation of friends and supporters, PACES is allocating a total of fund of USD 180,000 over one year to support two essential interventions to be implemented by the SOS Children’s Village in Bethlehem throughout the upcoming year; educational support covering all academic expenses for the children, as well as alternative care services, providing funds for caregivers and psycho-social support during this traumatic time. Additionally, PACES will continue to offer its Sports for Development Program to all children within the applicable age groups, which offers weekly training sessions and activities that aim to also add a sense of comfort and joy to the children’s lives.
About SOS Children’s Villages
The core of SOS Children’s Villages‘ work has always been the safety of children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. It has been working in Palestine since 1968, based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.
Together with partners, donors and communities, the children, young people and families at SOS Children’s Villages are able to grow up with the bonds they need to develop and become their strongest selves. They speak up for each child’s rights and advocate for change so all children can grow up in a supportive environment.