Sports as a Lifeline: Equipping displaced Palestinian girls and finding hope through sport

Amidst the challenges faced by displaced families, particularly those from the Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps, PS4L has implemented a program that leverages the power of sports to foster resilience and healing among young girls.

The ongoing Israeli military operations have led to the forced displacement of thousands, with many seeking refuge in makeshift shelters such as sports halls and cultural centers. These spaces, once hubs of athletic activity, have been transformed into sanctuaries offering shelter, education, and psychosocial support.

Recognizing the profound impact of displacement on mental health, PS4L's program integrates structured sports sessions with psychosocial support activities. These sessions provide a safe environment for girls to express their emotions, build self-esteem, and develop coping mechanisms. Currently, between 20 and 25 displaced girls are actively participating in the program. Despite the security concerns that occasionally necessitate the postponement of activities, the unwavering commitment of both coaches and participants underscores the program's significance.

"Even when sessions are delayed, the girls eagerly return, viewing these activities as essential outlets for emotional release and a semblance of normalcy," says Yathreb Salameh, a coach with PS4L.

The program's initial phase focused on creating spaces for over 100 participants to share their experiences and emotions, laying the groundwork for trust and community support. Subsequent sessions introduced structured activities aimed at equipping the youth with resilience and a sense of empowerment.

One of the participants, 16-year-old Amna Shukri Ahmad Okasha, shares her journey:

"I started playing football at 8 with my brothers in the camp. Some mocked me, saying it's a boys' game, but I never listened. At 12, I joined PS4L with coach Yumon Masri, who helped me rebuild my confidence. I even played in the 2022 Street Child United World Cup in Qatar—an unforgettable experience that changed my life. We have been offered educational support and tools by Qatar Foundation, also enrolled in English language courses and leadership programs that will support us in achieving our dreams in education and build a better future.

We are currently going through a very difficult period, both psychologically and in daily life, due to the ongoing incursion for more than three months into the city of Tulkarem and its camps. They displaced us from our homes, and I have been displaced with my family for more than 100 days. We are struggling to find a place to live, and we left our home without taking any personal belongings like clothes or food. We thought we would be away for two days or a week at most without our home, but more than 100 days have passed.

I miss the camp, my life, and my memories there, and I miss my home the most. As a school student after the displacement, I face difficulty reaching my school as it has become very far. I have become afraid on my way back home that something might happen to me, especially since the incursion is still ongoing. I will not give up and will continue to fight to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor or a nurse. Training at PS4L safe spaces has greatly improved my mental state and gives me the strength to continue. I feel more and more responsible."

Through programs by PS4L, young girls are not only finding solace and support but are also empowered to envision and strive for a brighter future.

PS4L's programs align with broader efforts to harness sports as a tool for development and peace in the MENA region. By providing inclusive safe spaces, particularly for young girls, these programs contribute to Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education, gender equality, and decent work.