A group of youth and activists from Rafah with different experiences working in the non-governmental sector have come together under the umbrella of "Hope & Peace" to offer children in their city a much-needed distraction from the destruction and desolation left in the wake of the Israeli offensive last year.
Because Palestinian children living in the Gaza Strip suffer from psychological trauma, the activists have decided to offer these kids a chance at experiencing childhood by introducing a summer camp, the first of its kind, which is set to open next week. With the help of the United Nations Reliefs and Works Agency, Hope & Peace activists set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover most of the costs needed to sustain 60 boys and girls and offer them appropriate recreational and educational activities.
The month-long summer camp will be focused on expanding students' "technical and creative skills" including acting, dancing, and computer skills. The summer camp program also includes one excursion.
At the end of the summer camp, students will be able to showcase their talents in a festival that will be open to the public. So far, the campaign has only garnered $3,095 of its $10,148 goal.