Ahmed*, aged twelve, and Aisha*, aged ten, are siblings who were hosted by SOS Children’s Villages in Gaza after losing their father and being separated from their mother during their displacement from Gaza to Rafah. Despite the safety, education, emotional support and care provided at the SOS Children’s Village shelter, the children desperately longed to see their mother again.
The first three months were challenging for the siblings. Though they were safe, they constantly worried about their mother. The staff at SOS Children’s Villages knew that reuniting the family was crucial for the children’s well-being. Using every resource available, they began a tireless search for the children’s mother.
Through relentless efforts and coordination with local authorities, partners and the team at SOS Children’s Villages, they managed to locate their mother, Fatima. She was found in a state of deep despair barely managing to survive. Understanding the urgency the SOS Children’s Villages coordinator liaised with the Ministry of Social Development to secure a place for the family in a designated shelter camp. This camp equipped with water, food parcels and other necessities offered a glimmer of hope for a better future.
When Ahmed and Aisha were told that their mother had been found, their joy was immeasurable. The day they were finally reunited was filled with tears, hugs and an unspoken promise to never be separated again. The shelter camp became their new home, a place where they could start to rebuild their lives together.
The reunion marked the beginning of a new chapter for Ahmed, Aisha and Fatima. The camp with its supportive environment allowed them to heal, rebuild their lives and regain a sense of normality. SOS Children’s Villages continues to provide support, ensuring that the family had access to healthcare and psychological services.
*The names of the children have been changed for privacy.