Support Women & Children in Gaza
Donation protected
Dear friends, family, and supporters,
As many of you know, I spent the summer in Gaza conducting research on intimate partner violence and women’s access to health services. I lived with several families while there, and got to know the situation very well. There are many organizations that are trying to do wonderful things for the women and children of Gaza, but many are facing closure because of their inability to cover the costs of keeping such places running. Two organizations that I became particularly acquainted with while there are a kindergarten in Gaza City and the Al Janube Association for Woman and Child.
This kindergarten is a haven for children in Gaza. After suffering the trauma of multiple wars in the last decade, there is great need for a place that children can feel safe and loved while learning. While I was in Gaza this summer, I spent many mornings at this kindergarten and have seen how this school provides both.
The founders of the kindergarten don't turn any child away, regardless of whether or not they can afford to pay the fees. Because of the Israeli siege and Gaza's suffering economy, they struggle to keep up with administrative expenses, are accruing increasing debt due to inability to pay rent, and cannot afford equipment needed for the children to be able to play as children should.
Al Janube is a center for women in Rafah, a city in the south of Gaza, and is the only such center providing this kind of assistance for women in this large area. Providing services for women of all ages, it focuses on health education (mainly reproductive health), psychosocial services, financial support for small projects, and physical fitness.
The founders of the center have accrued great debt over the last few years, being unable to cover the rent and administrative costs of keeping this center running; rent alone costs about $3,000 per year. They explained that they had to cancel the fitness trainings for women due to inability to pay a trainer. Having recruited women for my interviews there, I’ve heard firsthand how important this center is for women to have a place to come together, to feel safe and supported, and to enjoy some respite from the harsh realities of daily life in Gaza.
I will be returning to Gaza at the end of October for a few weeks, and would love to be able to hand deliver funds to lessen the burden that both of these organizations carry. Any amount will make a difference!
Since it is so difficult to send money to Gaza, bringing it in person is the best option. I plan to travel at the end of October (short notice) but I believe if enough people chip in this month, we can make a big difference in the lives of these lovely people who so need it!
Thank you so much for your compassion and willingness to provide relief to those in need...
With gratitude,
Meghan
As many of you know, I spent the summer in Gaza conducting research on intimate partner violence and women’s access to health services. I lived with several families while there, and got to know the situation very well. There are many organizations that are trying to do wonderful things for the women and children of Gaza, but many are facing closure because of their inability to cover the costs of keeping such places running. Two organizations that I became particularly acquainted with while there are a kindergarten in Gaza City and the Al Janube Association for Woman and Child.
This kindergarten is a haven for children in Gaza. After suffering the trauma of multiple wars in the last decade, there is great need for a place that children can feel safe and loved while learning. While I was in Gaza this summer, I spent many mornings at this kindergarten and have seen how this school provides both.
The founders of the kindergarten don't turn any child away, regardless of whether or not they can afford to pay the fees. Because of the Israeli siege and Gaza's suffering economy, they struggle to keep up with administrative expenses, are accruing increasing debt due to inability to pay rent, and cannot afford equipment needed for the children to be able to play as children should.
Al Janube is a center for women in Rafah, a city in the south of Gaza, and is the only such center providing this kind of assistance for women in this large area. Providing services for women of all ages, it focuses on health education (mainly reproductive health), psychosocial services, financial support for small projects, and physical fitness.
The founders of the center have accrued great debt over the last few years, being unable to cover the rent and administrative costs of keeping this center running; rent alone costs about $3,000 per year. They explained that they had to cancel the fitness trainings for women due to inability to pay a trainer. Having recruited women for my interviews there, I’ve heard firsthand how important this center is for women to have a place to come together, to feel safe and supported, and to enjoy some respite from the harsh realities of daily life in Gaza.
I will be returning to Gaza at the end of October for a few weeks, and would love to be able to hand deliver funds to lessen the burden that both of these organizations carry. Any amount will make a difference!
Since it is so difficult to send money to Gaza, bringing it in person is the best option. I plan to travel at the end of October (short notice) but I believe if enough people chip in this month, we can make a big difference in the lives of these lovely people who so need it!
Thank you so much for your compassion and willingness to provide relief to those in need...
With gratitude,
Meghan
Organizer
Meghan Fitzgerald
Organizer
Corvallis, OR
