From Fear to Hope: Yazan’s Remarkable Journey
For children like Yazan, life in Jenin Refugee Camp has been anything but easy. Displacement,
uncertainty, and profound emotional scars are daily realities for many families here. At just 11
years old, Yazan experienced challenges no child should face, but his story is one of resilience,
transformation, and the immense power of hope. Through the Healthy Children, Healthy Future
program, funded by Healing Across the Divides (HATD), Yazan’s life took a turn for the better,
showing us that even in the darkest times, inner strength, and community support can light the
way forward.
The Weight of Fear and Doubt
Yazan was just a boy when his world was turned upside down. Displacement due to a military
raid forced his family to leave their home, plunging them into a period of upheaval and instability.
Like many children in similar situations, Yazan carried the burden of this trauma silently.
He began struggling with overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety. At school, these emotions
became barriers to learning and connection. Group activities made him uncomfortable, and the
mere thought of participating filled him with dread. Before exams, his anxiety often skyrocketed,
preventing him from performing at his full potential. His self-esteem crumbled, leaving him
withdrawn and convinced that he was not good enough.
“I even thought about following my colleague who passed away,” Yazan would later reveal, hinting at the depths of despair he had reached.
A Lifeline Through Healthy Children, Healthy Future
When Yazan joined the Healthy Children, Healthy Future program in early 2025, he was hesitant
and uncertain. The program, funded by HATD, is designed to provide psychosocial support to
children and families grappling with the aftermath of trauma. For Yazan, this was an opportunity
to begin healing.
His initial engagement came in the form of phone-based counseling sessions. Over the course
of February, he participated in three dedicated calls with a professional counselor. These calls
were more than just conversations; they were lifelines. His counselor encouraged Yazan to
confront his fears and reminded him of his worth, planting seeds of self-belief that would later
bloom.
By March, Yazan began attending the program’s group activities. These sessions, filled with
creative play, art, and bonding exercises, were designed to help children rediscover joy and
rebuild connections. But for Yazan, taking that first step into the group was daunting. Initially, he
sat on the sidelines, watching quietly as other children laughed and played. He carried his
hesitations with him, unsure of how to proceed.
A Breakthrough Moment
Yazan recalled his counselor’s words about making a positive impact and took a leap of faith. To
everyone’s surprise, he approached the organizing team and volunteered to lend a hand.
Slowly, he joined the group, participating with genuine enthusiasm.
“For the first time in a long while, he looked truly happy,” shared one of the program facilitators. It was a breakthrough moment, a shift from isolation and fear to confidence and joy. Yazan’s
transformation didn’t just affect him; it sent ripples of hope through his family and the broader
community.
A Newfound Dream
The support Yazan received changed the way he saw himself and his future. He began
engaging more actively in school, no longer paralyzed by anxiety before exams or group tasks.
He embraced his studies and started dreaming big.
“Before joining the program, I suffered from fear and low self-confidence. I always thought that I
was not good enough,” Yazan shared.”But after I joined, I became happy to meet other kids, and the counselor kept calling to support me. I began to enjoy studying, doing my homework, and now I dream of becoming a doctor to help people heal and love life.”
Hearing Yazan speak with such hope and determination is a reminder of the resilience children
possess when given the right guidance and encouragement.
A Parent’s Perspective
Yazan’s transformation didn’t go unnoticed by those around him. His parents, who had seen the
toll of trauma on their son, were overwhelmed with gratitude for the program. One parent
shared, “This is one of the most important programs we have in Jenin, especially the camp. They are always there for us, following up with our children, involving them in meaningful activities, and lifting their spirits through games and gifts.”
These sentiments highlight the broader impact of the Healthy Children, Healthy Future program.
For families living in displacement and conflict-affected areas, having a reliable source of
emotional and psychological support can make all the difference.
Rekindling Hope, Restoring Lives
Yazan’s story is just one of many, but it underscores the profound impact that focused,
empathetic, and consistent support can have on children facing adversity. The Healthy Children,
Healthy Future program not only helps children like Yazan recover from trauma but also instills a
sense of hope and possibility for the future. It builds resilience and connection, ensuring that,
even in the face of difficult circumstances, children can dream again.
Yet, the work is far from over. The program relies on the generosity of donors to continue its
mission, and there are countless children like Yazan still in need of help.
Join Us in Spreading Hope
Yazan’s transformation is a powerful testament to what’s possible when we come together to
support marginalized communities. But there are so many more children waiting for their chance
to heal, dream, and thrive.
This spring, Healing Across the Divides has set a goal to raise $50,000 to fund proven programs
like Healthy Children, Healthy Future. Your donation can help ensure that children like Yazan
receive the care, connection, and opportunities they so desperately deserve.
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can create brighter
futures, one child at a time.
Donate today and help us restore hope where it’s needed most.
💛 Thank you for standing with us and the children of Jenin.
