Helping A Girl in Gaza Overcome Tragedy
Before conflict broke out in Gaza, 11-year-old Samara (not her real name) enjoyed a warm family life. That changed in a heartbeat when she witnessed the death of her father as the family fled conflict in the north of Gaza.
Samara instantly withdrew from the world. She stopped speaking and refused to play or attend school, where she had been a top student.
For months, Samara remained silent. She watched other displaced children at nearby tents where IOCC, in partnership with Beit Lahia Development Association (BLDA), was running an education and play project. Every day, she would sit and watch other children learn, laugh, and play—but she wouldn’t join in.
The project facilitators, however, refused to give up on Samara. With patience and compassion, they slowly drew her back into the school subjects she had once loved—math (her favorite), English, Arabic, and science. They encouraged her to join in games, art, and dancing.
Then one day, Samara stood up, walked over, and joined a mathematics competition. Today, she smiles, joins in activities with her classmates, and shares her dreams.
“I want to be first in my class again,” she says. “One day, I want to be a teacher and help children like me.” IOCC and BLDA remain committed to supporting her—and other refugee children—every step of the way.
