Human Concern International: Contributing to the global efforts to support Gaza’s war-torn families

By Ipsita Malhotra, Program Officer at Human Concern International

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has inflicted unimaginable hardship on thousands of families, forcing them to flee their homes and live in a constant state of uncertainty. As airstrikes decimate neighborhoods and essential services collapse, many find themselves displaced and struggling to survive without access to necessities like food, clean water and healthcare. The pain of displacement is felt most acutely by children and caregivers whose lives have been upended by the trauma of war.

In response to this crisis, Human Concern International (HCI) has stepped in to provide critical support to Gaza’s medical evacuees, children and their families in Egypt and Turkey. This includes offering services to enhance their resilience and improve their overall well-being. HCI’s initiatives focus on mental health support, financial aid, housing, education, and medical care—addressing the comprehensive needs of these vulnerable families.

Ongoing medical support: Ensuring full recovery for injured children

Many children evacuated to Egypt are still recovering from injuries sustained during the conflict. HCI ensures that children receive the treatment and monitoring needed to regain their health and reduce the risk of complications. This sustained care is essential to their long-term recovery, allowing them to heal physically and emotionally. 

Addressing mental health: Support for children and caregivers

The psychological impact of war, particularly on children and their caregivers, is profound. Many displaced families are struggling to cope with trauma, grief, and the constant uncertainty of their situation. Recognizing the deep emotional scars left by conflict, HCI is working to provide mental health and psychosocial support services for children and caregivers. 

Securing shelter: Safe housing for displaced families

HCI is working to provide safe and secure temporary housing for medical evacuee families in Cairo and Al Arish. These families, who previously faced inadequate living conditions, can now access stable environments to focus on recovery. Safe housing is essential in alleviating these families’ daily stresses, offering them security and stability as they rebuild their lives.

Financial relief: Monthly stipends for families in need

Displacement has left many families without income, compounding their difficulties in meeting basic needs. To address this, HCI is providing monthly stipends to evacuee families. This financial support helps cover essentials such as food, clothing, and utilities, contributing to the families’ immediate stability and easing the financial burden as they navigate their temporary resettlement.

Education continuity: Informal learning for displaced children

One of the most devastating consequences of conflict for children is the disruption of education. HCI ensures that evacuee children can continue their education through informal learning programs and by providing tablets. These programs are designed to help children maintain academic progress, acquire new skills and stay empowered despite the interruptions caused by the conflict. Through tailored lessons and engaging activities, these children can regain a sense of normalcy and prepare for future academic success.

A shared vision for the future

HCI’s initiatives are part of a more significant, coordinated effort to improve the lives of Gaza’s displaced families and support their recovery from the devastation of war. The expected outcomes of these initiatives include:

• Safe housing: Secure temporary homes for 300 families, allowing them to rebuild their lives with dignity.
• Mental health: Reduced trauma and emotional distress for 1,500 children and caregivers, promoting long-term well-being.
• Financial stability: Monthly stipends for 500 families, helping them meet their basic needs and regain independence.
• Continued education: Informal learning opportunities for displaced children, ensuring they stay academically engaged and hopeful for the future.
• Medical recovery: Ongoing care for 200 children, supporting their physical recovery and long-term health.

Human Concern International is playing a vital role in the global humanitarian effort to support Gaza’s war-torn families by contributing to these outcomes. Through collaboration, compassion and sustained action, HCI is helping build a future where families displaced by conflict can recover, rebuild and thrive again.