In the heart of Gaza, where life remains challenging for many, the Palestinian Counseling Center (PCC) continues its vital mission of offering psycho-social support to children. This March (2025), PCC organized a special Ramadan event at the Gaza New School shelter center, bringing together around 500 children and their families for a day filled with laughter, hope, and joy.
Amid the ongoing struggles, the event offered a rare opportunity for the children to simply be children. With activities like singing, Dabke dancing, games, clown performances, and face painting, the day was packed with fun moments that allowed the kids to momentarily forget the hardships surrounding them. The joy was contagious, with smiles lighting up the faces of the children as they enjoyed each activity.
To make the day even more special, gifts and sweets were handed out, spreading a little extra cheer among the children and their families. These moments of happiness served as a much-needed escape from the stress and trauma many have experienced due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Parents, many of whom have witnessed their children’s struggles firsthand, expressed their deep appreciation for these events. One mother shared, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen my child laugh like this. For a few hours, we felt alive again, even in the midst of everything.” The children, too, shared their excitement, with one child saying, “I loved everything, especially the clown and the games. It felt like a dream come true.”
For the children and families in Gaza, these Ramadan activities are more than just entertainment—they are a chance to restore hope, rebuild resilience, and find joy in the face of adversity. By providing these much-needed moments of relief, PCC continues to play a crucial role in helping children recover emotionally and psychologically, even in the most difficult circumstances.