"A mobile skatepark moving between displacement camps in Gaza is providing rare mental health support to children trapped in one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, where trauma and grief are rife. Amid the wreckage of Gaza City, where collapsed buildings and twisted concrete dominate the landscape, a group of young Palestinians has transformed the destruction into an unlikely playground."
"Since the fragile ceasefire began on October 10, skateboard coaches have been running sessions that offer traumatised children brief moments of freedom and normalcy. We used to have skateparks in the Gaza Strip; this was our dream here in Gaza, said Rajab al-Reifi, one of the coaches working with the children. But unfortunately, after we finally achieved that dream and built skateparks, the war came and destroyed everything."
"With equipment shortages across Gaza, every skateboard wheel and piece of wood has become precious. Al-Reifi often repairs damaged boards between sessions, knowing replacements are nearly impossible to obtain. One of the few flat courtyards to survive Israel's bombardment provides a training ground for beginners, while more adventurous skaters have turned piles of rubble and collapsed walls into makeshift ramps and obstacles."
A mobile skatepark moves between displacement camps in Gaza, providing mental health support and recreational relief to children amid severe humanitarian conditions. Skateboard coaches run sessions since the fragile ceasefire began on October 10, offering traumatised children moments of normalcy and joy. Young Palestinians repurpose collapsed buildings, rubble and courtyards into makeshift ramps and training spaces. Coaches repair scarce equipment because replacements are nearly impossible to obtain. Violence and attacks have continued despite the truce, compounding trauma and making sustained access to resources and safe spaces a constant challenge.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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