Your Impact in Palestine 2019-2020 | Islamic Relief Canada

PALESTINE IMPACT REPORT YO U R D O N ATI ON S I N ACTI ON

PA LE STIN E IM PACT R E P O RT

CRISIS BACKGROUND

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The economic conditions in the Gaza Strip are continuously deteriorating causing a significant negative impact on the living conditions of people in Gaza, particularly vulnerable populations like children. Harsh conditions affect different aspects of their lives such as access to basic necessities; water, education, and health.

Children continue to face many challenges when attending school. Hygiene has become a growing concern in school institutions, where some children in kindergarten drink municipal water which contains high levels of chlorides and nitrates. The contaminated water can lead to kidney failure and dental problems. Other kindergartens have to rely on water tanks that may also lead to critical storage issues due to their preexisting poor financial conditions.

Y OUR DON ATION S IN ACT I O N

OUR WORK IN THE REGION

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Islamic Relief has been on the ground in Gaza for the past 25 years, and is one of the the only Muslim relief organizations that has a presence on the ground in Gaza.

Our team provides food and medical supplies, access to water and actively distributes aid when emergencies strike.

We also focus on the developmental needs of a community in conflict through improving access to education, healthcare, psychosocial support and livelihood.

Many of our projects are centered on providing psychosocial services to children from a very early age. Working with primary schools, we create safe spaces where children can participate in sessions that help build their self-esteem and social, communication, and conflict resolution skills. We diligently work to improve the learning environment of children, as well as their own health and wellbeing.

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YOUR DONATIONS IN ACTION

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COVID-19 RESPONSE Enhanced public health measures by providing essential disinfectant material and protection tools, such as 3D printed face shields in collaboration with Dr. Tarek Loubani and GLIA. These items equipe municipalities to disinfect public buildings such as quarantine centers and schools in Gaza.

Beneficiaries - 1,200 individuals

PRESCHOOL HEALTH & EDUCATION Integrating health services into schools, by providing checkups, awareness programs, tools, medicines, better hygiene and nutritional support for vulnerable children.

We helped to improve the capacity of kindergarten teachers in dealing with and addressing preschool children health problems.

We also focused on conducting screenings for childrens’ health conditions and testing their physical well being. These children were then provided with the required treatment and support, including medications, minor surgeries, and assistive devices. Awareness sessions for community members and parents were also provided, to empower families to protect the health of their families and seek the right treatment.

Beneficiaries - 5,000 children

Y OUR DON ATION S IN ACT I O N

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CHILD DEVELOPMENT & WELLBEING Youth who remain at the mercy of Gaza’s difficult circumstances were provided with special support, counselling, workshops, and training to cope and overcome the traumas of war and loss. This two year project prioritized the most vulnerable children, parents, and teachers.

Beneficiaries - 70,000 individuals

SUPPORTING GAZA’S HEALTH SERVICES Patients in urgent need of basic medical supplies were provided with urgent drugs, disposables, and lab reagents via their healthcare professionals. This was particularly vital throughout times of conflict. The quantity donated covered urgent support for three months. The most urgent departments such as emergency departments, ICUs, surgical operations, orthopedics and vascular treatment, were especially prioritized.

Beneficiaries - 10,000 individuals

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EMPOWERING ORPHANS A five year project contributing to Gaza’s future, vulnerable orphans receive support and access to opportunities that develop their talents while also facilitating their social inclusion. These vulnerable children are tus taken through a long-term transformative journey that starts with childhood. Extra priority was given to a specific segment of children who identified with high vulnerabilities, as well as high potentials for social development towards a successful future.

Beneficiaries - 20,400 orphans

ORPHAN SPONSORSHIP In addition to the previous project, another one of our most effective orphan-focused initiatives in Gaza is the sponsorship program. The Islamic Relief office has a personal relationship with each family and supports them with orphan sponsorship-a process that transforms families. With your help, each family was able to cover basic needs, which allowed orphans to focus on their education.

Beneficiaries - 1,884 orphans

Y OUR DON ATION S IN ACT I O N

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RAMADAN FOOD PACKS Distributed food packs to families most in need to help them prepare for Ramadan.

These food packs were dependent on the local diet and were purchased through markets within the local, associated economy. Food parcels weighed around 30 lbs and included staple items such as rice, wheat, and oil.

Beneficiaries - 18,300 individuals

THANK YOU Your support has made an immense difference for the children and families of Gaza. Your support is so often the gift of life itself and we take special care to reach those who are most at risk.

We’ve seen with our own eyes how their lives have been uplifted and transformed by what you give. May it bring a brighter future for them inshaAllah.

We could not have done it without you, thank you.

3501 Mainway Burlington, ON L7M 1A9 www.islamicrelief.ca 1-855-377-4673(HOPE)