In Gaza, the situation continues to be dire.

The EFE Network began its first programs in Gaza in 2006. Since then, we've supported nearly 25,000 youth across Palestine, nearly 9,000 of which are in Gaza.

This year EFE has mobilized to provide emergency support for Gaza.

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During this time of crisis, we are training youth in Emergency First Aid, Emergency Midwifery, and Psychosocial First Aid to support displaced people in need of urgent care.

As of today, we have trained 340 individuals in our crisis response programming.

129

individuals prepared to provide Emergency First Aid

individuals trained in Emergency Midwifery

120

individuals equipped to provide Psychosocial First Aid

Now is a time of critical need.

With hospitals being difficult to access and often unable to provide necessary care, our efforts have become indispensable.

Graduates from our emergency healthcare programs are providing critical support in shelters, assisting with births, administering wound care, and handling other emergencies for thousands of vulnerable individuals.

In a post-training survey conducted three months after completion, graduates from 10 classes held in Jabalia and Rafah reported that they have supported over 41,715 individuals in crisis across Gaza.
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Graduates also reported they shared knowledge gained through EFE's programming with over 3,551 of their peers, expanding the reach of our program and its impact.

We are formulating initiatives for post-conflict Gaza, including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), healthcare sector rebuilding, job placement in construction and essential services, and more. Your support is needed to ensure our initiatives succeed.

See Longterm Engagement in Gaza

"I am only 19 years old, and the idea of joining the training was terrifying. After the training, I gained the confidence to volunteer in the camp I am in with a youth team. At the medical point near us, I supported in the first stage of receiving the wounded and children, but the number of people seriously injured was more than we could handle. They needed specialists, but I was still able to help with many injuries, especially with children.

At first, I was afraid, but then an injured child who lost both his parents came in and he was not crying. I told myself, “If he can be strong, so can I.”

— Bayan, Emergency First Aid Graduate

"I am a volunteer with two medical points in the Al-Mawasi area, the work conditions are unimaginably difficult. During the past 3 months, I have supported nearly 1,000 women. These included deliveries, pregnant women suffering from injuries, malnutrition, and bleeding, as well as mothers who were exposed to life-threatening diseases after giving birth.

One of the most challenging moments was handling five deliveries simultaneously while the area was under attack. We had to decide whether to flee and leave them behind or stay, and risk our lives. We all stayed in the tent."

— Eman, Emergency Midwifery Graduate

"The training couldn’t have come at a better time.

It not only empowered me to support myself but also allowed me to provide psychological assistance to over 500 individuals within the first three months.

I volunteered at medical points in Mawasi Rafah and at the shelter center at Rafah Primary School, offering care to those displaced."

— Ibrahim, Psychosocial Support Graduate

"Within 3 months after the training, I provided various midwifery services to over 290 people, from natural births to cesarean sections. One of the most difficult was a 22-year-old woman delivering her first child. We were at a medical point, during a period of evacuation and it was one of the worst days.

The medical point was full. We had to deliver the baby on the ground. A colleague of mine was looking for a blanket and sheet to cover the patient and put it under her on the floor, in an attempt to minimize the risk of infection during birth."

— Eman, Emergency Midwifery Graduate

"The extent of people's needs and the situation is worse than a nightmare. So many people are suffering from malnutrition.

The training enabled us to get back to helping people, even with the simplest resources. The training helped me remember that I am capable of helping people. We must continue supporting each other."

— Amani, Emergency First Aid Graduate

Emergency Training:

Emergency First Aid

Youth in this training are getting equipped with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively respond to medical emergencies.

Beyond basic first aid skills, they are learning how to assess situations and how to care for burns, control bleeding, treat head and neck injuries, give CPR to infants and adults, and ways to support individuals with diabetes or low blood sugar.

$4,185 trains a full class of 20 people.

Emergency Midwifery

This training teaches skills to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and newborns in Gaza. The training is divided into two segments, incorporating simulation exercises and emergency protocol reviews. The first segment, Safe Delivery, prepares youth for deliveries in shelters. The second segment focuses on the "Kangaroo Method", teaching trainees to monitor newborn temperatures and promote breastfeeding, thereby improving overall baby health outcomes.

$10,085 trains a full class of 20 people.

Psychological First Aid

This intensive 2-day training is designed to provide youth with the crucial skills and knowledge to deliver immediate psychological support to those impacted by crises or trauma. This first day covers psychosocial first aid and communication. The second day focuses on emotional support strategies, support groups, and case studies. By the end of the training, participants are equipped to offer timely and compassionate assistance in times of crisis.

$4,185 trains a full class of 20 people.

EFE's Longterm Engagement in Gaza

Since 2006, EFE has played an essential role in supporting Gaza's youth, helping them capitalize on opportunities and recover from challenges. From revitalizing war-impacted businesses to equipping young people and women entrepreneurs with essential skills and support, EFE fosters resilience and growth in the region.

Learn more about EFE-Palestine.

Rebuilding Livelihoods

EFE enabled local entrepreneurs in Gaza, whose businesses were impacted by the May 2021 hostilities, to rebuild their businesses and develop resilience against future economic shocks and challenges. A total of 339 entrepreneurs, representing a total of 311 businesses, each completed 20 hours of entrepreneurship training to address their specific business needs, and each business received a grant of $1,000 (USD) to procure supplies necessary to rebuild their enterprises.

Beyond Boundaries

EFE prepared vulnerable youth in Gaza to earn sustainable income through virtual employment. EFE updated its existing Virtual Jobs curriculum to accommodate advancements in the gig economy, incorporated technical training, and provided additional mentorship and resources to help youth earn sustainable income as they enter the freelance labor market.

Scale Up & Thrive

Addressing obstacles to economic development faced by women entrepreneurs in Palestine and fostering knowledge exchange and mentorship between American and Palestinian entrepreneurs. EFE provided customized capacity-building training and mentorship to 31 Gazan women entrepreneurs, some of whom traveled to the United States for a professional exchange program.

Be a lifeline for women giving birth in shelters, wounded individuals, and children traumatized by conflict.

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In Gaza, the situation continues to be dire.

During this time of crisis, we are training youth in Emergency First Aid, Emergency Midwifery, and Psychosocial First Aid to support displaced people in need of urgent care.

As of today, we have trained 340 individuals in our crisis response programming.