West Bank, February 10, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - About 1.300 children and their fathers from five villages south of Nablus (Burin, Madama, Einabus, Urif and Assira) recently participated in a marathon race. But it was more than a sporting event; rather, its goal was to improve vulnerable children’s psychosocial well-being.

The marathon was a launch event for a broader year-long mental health project. “Psychosocial and Psycho-Medical Support in Public Schools and Primary Health Care Centers of Nablus Governorate” is a project implemented by MDM-F and funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) to improve access to and the quality of children's services in the five villages, home to 847 children age 8 to 12. Throughout the year, training will be provided to members of the community involved in the psychological development of children: parents and the staff of schools, local health facilities, etc.

Since parents are the main source of protection and care for children, supporting them is essential. Researches have demonstrated that young children who have involved fathers tend to be more outgoing and secure. As children get older, this translates into better academic performance and peer relationships.

“Through field experience in the communities, we have noticed a need for getter integrating fathers – who are often busy due to work constraints - into the psychosocial aspects of their children's lives,” explains Olivier Fauritte, head of mission in Gaza for Medecins du Monde – France. "The marathon was designed to provide fathers an opportunity to have fun with their children and therefore contribute to their cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being.”

He added that such joint activities also encourage fathers to talk to confidentially talk to program staff about their concerns regarding their children or their own stress.

There is a growing awareness of mental disorders among the population of Gaza -- particularly feelings of insecurity -- and the lack of psychosocial services to deal with them,” adds Fauritte.  “In these five villages, resident cannot access the services in Nablus due to the transportation problems posed by the proximity of numerous Israeli settlements and the resulting checkpoints. The families' low income and very limited access to social and health facilities dramatically exacerbates an already extremely complicated political situation. We can significantly reduce the psychological impact of the conflict on children by providing psychosocial support in schools and in the communities.”

Herve Caiveau, head of the ECHO office in Jerusalem, added that "ECHO, the humanitarian aid department of the European Commission, is sensitive to the psychosocial well being of children in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in areas most affected by violence and the construction of the Israeli barrier wall. This project brings children and their caregivers together to help create a more protective and caring environment for Palestinian children."

Source: PNN