A Road Map to Recovery in Gaza

After more than two years of a catastrophic conflict, UNICEF's "The Gaza We Want" initiative centers children's perspectives on recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, letting them speak for themselves on the impacts of war and their dreams for their own futures. Mayar, 14, describes the fear and panic she feels when she mistakes the sound of a fast-moving car for an incoming missile. "Today is the happiest day of my life because I met UNICEF," Mayar says at a UNICEF event where children came together to sing and dance and share hopes for a peaceful future free of military attacks. "I dream of seeing all of Gaza with safe buildings and homes, with space between each house and the next. I want to open the windows and see green views without rubble." Rahaf, 15, describes how psychological trauma and accumulated stress led to her hospitalization. "I was in a coma for 10 days," she says. "But I woke up again, and I realized that I will achieve my dream. I met UNICEF, and they encouraged me and helped me change my way of thinking. Together, we started thinking about how we can rebuild Gaza and make it better again." By documenting Palestinian children’s priorities and views, the initiative helps inform child-centered recovery, reconstruction and policy planning, while reinforcing the importance of meaningful, ongoing child participation in decisions about Gaza’s future. Subscribe to UNICEF USA's YouTube Channel for the latest updates. To learn more about UNICEF and UNICEF USA, visit: https://www.unicefusa.org Read our stories about UNICEF in action: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories Follow UNICEF USA here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unicefusa Twitter: https://twitter.com/UNICEFUSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNICEF-USA