Can We Heal Ourselves?

This summer, I had the privilege of meeting a fantastic community, creative initiatives and projects, and a learning experience like no other.

In 2009, the international NGO Mercy Corps brought senior executives from Google to Gaza.

It was immediately clear to leaders in both organizations that consistent access to high-speed fiber internet, could allow Gaza’s highly educated youth to sidestep many of the current restrictions on the movement of people and goods that hamper the Gazan economy. Gaza Sky Geeks - GSG was born. Find out more here: https://gazaskygeeks.com/about/.

After the events of May 2021 in Gaza, each individual at the age of 20 had already survived four wars. I responded to a call for mental health volunteers to contribute to the community. Fate decided I was chosen as one of the volunteers for a Trauma Response Initiative, which unfolded this meaningful experience. Shortly after, based on the response of the participants, the situation evolved into a project collaboration.

Moving on, I designed a 6 weeks course on healing and development under the title “Introduction to Tangible Development Healing” with multiple groups. The design of the Course used a process-oriented approach and a psychoeducational one; combining tools, exercises, topics, and discussions in self-development and healing. It was met with acceptance by the coordinators and managers of the respective organizations, and we kicked off the course.

The sessions were supported by meetings one-on-one with some participants for further inquiries, and a server online was created for the community as additional support. The feedback and results were overwhelming, the response and will to participate and learn, heal and develop was incredible.

It was not only about healing. Realistically 6 weeks can be a short time to achieve as it is a process unique to each individual, especially under the given circumstances of this project. Nonetheless, we healed, cried, laughed, and discussed many social and psychological realities. Most importantly, we learned tools to regulate ourselves, understand our emotions and behaviors, as well as being able to take the wheel and drive our own development and healing.

After two months of working with people who taught me that we all can be resilient, heal and develop when possessing the right tools and perspectives. I was perhaps able to deliver some healing, knowledge, and tools to the community, but I know I left the project with more healing, development, and strength myself.

I will anonymously share some of the feedback from the community with you noting that some of these statements are translated from Arabic.