Children in Rafah deserve a childhood & education
Donation protected
A tribute to Martha Wansbrough
Martha worked with disadvantaged young people for over 20 years, first in Russia and then the UK, where she established the Drive Forward Foundation. She believed passionately in its mission to enable care-experienced young people to achieve their full potential through sustainable employment. Martha put the young people at the heart of everything. Her dedication meant that she worked throughout her illness, right up the end - securing new funding, finding employment opportunities and ensuring that young people had the support they needed during the pandemic.
After a year-long battle with cancer, Martha passed away on January 4th. Her legacy, however, will live on in Drive Forward and its young people.
As part of her global fight against injustice, Martha has been supporting The German Electronic Kindergarten in Rafah for many years. Today, I ask you to join me in keeping Martha's passion and dedication to improving young lives around the world alive.
Thank you.
The German Electronic Kindergartenwas established after another horrendous summer of conflict in 2014, with the aim of supporting children to deal with their trauma and providing them with a comfortable, warm, and caring environment.
"The horrible scenes of blood and destruction broke something inside [the children]. They grow up fearing the future," says Reham Saleh who has been working with children of Rafah for several years. "[With our work at the kindergarten, we're] trying to implant strength, hope, cooperation, collaboration, love, and other things."
What's the issue?
The city of Rafah is located in the southern Gaza Strip, an area whose reputation is one of conflict and violence. The city's population is mostly made up of former Palestinian refugees and living conditions are harsh, especially for the children.
Local communities often experience shortages of food, medicines and other basic supplies. The political situation, international sanctions, continuous violence and uncertainty hinder economic development, leaving families struggling with poverty, a lack of quality health care or educational opportunities for children.
Children are the most affected by conflict
Many families are unable to care for their children and many children have been orphaned at a very young age. The horrors of continued conflict and violence bear heavily on those who survive. Many children have witnessed unspeakable things and suffered tremendous personal loss throughout the many periods of bloodshed and warfare in the region.
The German Electronic Kindergarten is unique in many ways. It offers children the opportunity to experience a modern education using quality equipment, televisions, and iPads, encouraging them to follow their curiosities, explore different areas of activities and reach for the stars!
With a fully equipped playground, activity and meeting rooms as well as several bathrooms, the kindergarten offers a safe, playful, and supportive environment for about 80 children a year to learn, grow, and just be children.
A newly established nursery further allows for the appropriate care and nurture of under four years olds, enabling parents work and earn a living for their families.
A refuge for orphans
Many of the children attending the kindergarten have lost their families during the war and it is the kindergarten that offers them the best hope to overcome their trauma, build positive relationships, and thrive towards a brighter future!
Knowing how important of a place it is for these children, The German Electronic Kindergarten reserves free spaces for orphaned children every year, giving them a chance to grow and experience love, warmth, and friendships.
Make a difference today
Your gift has the power to make all the difference in a child's life in Rafah; enabling them to find a supportive and caring place where they will receive the love, education, and opportunity they deserve.
Martha worked with disadvantaged young people for over 20 years, first in Russia and then the UK, where she established the Drive Forward Foundation. She believed passionately in its mission to enable care-experienced young people to achieve their full potential through sustainable employment. Martha put the young people at the heart of everything. Her dedication meant that she worked throughout her illness, right up the end - securing new funding, finding employment opportunities and ensuring that young people had the support they needed during the pandemic.
After a year-long battle with cancer, Martha passed away on January 4th. Her legacy, however, will live on in Drive Forward and its young people.
As part of her global fight against injustice, Martha has been supporting The German Electronic Kindergarten in Rafah for many years. Today, I ask you to join me in keeping Martha's passion and dedication to improving young lives around the world alive.
Thank you.
The German Electronic Kindergartenwas established after another horrendous summer of conflict in 2014, with the aim of supporting children to deal with their trauma and providing them with a comfortable, warm, and caring environment.
"The horrible scenes of blood and destruction broke something inside [the children]. They grow up fearing the future," says Reham Saleh who has been working with children of Rafah for several years. "[With our work at the kindergarten, we're] trying to implant strength, hope, cooperation, collaboration, love, and other things."
What's the issue?
The city of Rafah is located in the southern Gaza Strip, an area whose reputation is one of conflict and violence. The city's population is mostly made up of former Palestinian refugees and living conditions are harsh, especially for the children.
Local communities often experience shortages of food, medicines and other basic supplies. The political situation, international sanctions, continuous violence and uncertainty hinder economic development, leaving families struggling with poverty, a lack of quality health care or educational opportunities for children.
Children are the most affected by conflict
Many families are unable to care for their children and many children have been orphaned at a very young age. The horrors of continued conflict and violence bear heavily on those who survive. Many children have witnessed unspeakable things and suffered tremendous personal loss throughout the many periods of bloodshed and warfare in the region.
The German Electronic Kindergarten is unique in many ways. It offers children the opportunity to experience a modern education using quality equipment, televisions, and iPads, encouraging them to follow their curiosities, explore different areas of activities and reach for the stars!
With a fully equipped playground, activity and meeting rooms as well as several bathrooms, the kindergarten offers a safe, playful, and supportive environment for about 80 children a year to learn, grow, and just be children.
A newly established nursery further allows for the appropriate care and nurture of under four years olds, enabling parents work and earn a living for their families.
A refuge for orphans
Many of the children attending the kindergarten have lost their families during the war and it is the kindergarten that offers them the best hope to overcome their trauma, build positive relationships, and thrive towards a brighter future!
Knowing how important of a place it is for these children, The German Electronic Kindergarten reserves free spaces for orphaned children every year, giving them a chance to grow and experience love, warmth, and friendships.
Make a difference today
Your gift has the power to make all the difference in a child's life in Rafah; enabling them to find a supportive and caring place where they will receive the love, education, and opportunity they deserve.
Organizer
Oliver McTernan
Organizer