Reviving communities home by home in Gaza
Reviving Communities Home by Home in Gaza
Qinilo.com – War has reshaped daily life in Gaza for 24-year-old Mayyada, who is seven months pregnant with twins and raising her two-year-old daughter. Despite the chaos, she and her family have finally found a temporary space of their own, offering a glimpse of normalcy in a region still recovering from conflict.
A Family’s Journey Through Displacement
Mayyada, originally from Jabalia refugee camp, has endured repeated evacuations since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Each move has brought new struggles, as families navigate overcrowded spaces, insecurity, and the loss of personal privacy.
“From our home to another home, from school to school, from tent to tent. We move from one place to another. Every time we faced many struggles,” she says.
Mayyada’s life has been defined by transitions, often relying on schools or makeshift shelters for temporary respite. “I hoped that we would have everything,” she recalls. “I never expected that I would be living in tents for so long.”
“Painting was always the first thing I wanted to do wherever I lived,” she explains. “But, since the war started, I haven’t touched my art.”
Building Stability Through Community Efforts
As recovery progresses, initiatives like the Gaza Neighbourhood Approach project are helping families like Mayyada’s return to areas near their origins. Supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Palestinian Authority, and other partners, this effort goes beyond temporary housing to restore functional living conditions.
These new units include debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and job opportunities, as part of the UNDP’s Relief, Employment and Vital Infrastructure for the Vulnerable in Emergencies (REVIVE) program. The initiative operates across six countries, addressing the needs of displaced populations with comprehensive support.
A Hope for the Future
Mayyada’s family now occupies a modest yet private dwelling, marking a significant step toward stability. “Just having a small, private place meant so much,” she shares, reflecting on the anticipation of this moment.
With the new shelter, she is slowly reclaiming her sense of purpose. “I am trying to create a sense of stability for myself and for my family,” she says. “As an artist, I want to make it beautiful.” Her plans include tending a garden and preparing for the birth of her twins, symbolizing a return to the rhythms of life she once knew.
For Mayyada, the transition from tents to a structured home represents more than physical comfort—it signifies a rekindling of hope. The project’s focus on restoring community functionality ensures that such small victories can pave the way for lasting recovery.