Success Story of Mohammed Abu Rabee – Conflict Preparedness and Protection Trainer in the Northern West Bank
Preventing and Protecting Civilians from the Impacts of the War on Gaza
Mohammed Abu Rabee, a 25-year-old from Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, is a dedicated student of International Law at the University of Palestine. Though he hasn't experienced displacement personally, the onset of aggression sparked a desire in him to contribute positively to his community. Working as a Conflict Preparedness and Protection (CPP) practitioner with affected and vulnerable groups, he provided essential safety measures, bringing him a deep sense of self-satisfaction and community involvement. "People need to be heard and seen," he asserts.
Mohammed began volunteering on October 14th, 2023, a week after the war started. He engaged in psychosocial support activities for children, wearing a clown costume for three months before becoming a storyteller. Time and circumstances have shaped his interests, driven by humanitarian and national motives to help his people and think of others.
He recalls conducting a CPP awareness-raising session for displaced people in Deir al-Balah, near Salah al-Din Street. About two weeks prior, as families were returning after displacement, he led a session on evacuation plans and emergency kits. A woman interrupted to call her husband, who then joined with papers and pens to take notes, highlighting the community's eagerness to learn.
Risk Education is Direly Needed across Gaza
He believes some groups in Gaza need preparedness and protection awareness-raising sessions more urgently than others. People in frequently targeted areas like eastern Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis need these workshops more than those in western parts. Heads of households—fathers and mothers—are crucial decision-makers in their homes. Additionally, children who have lived through the war for over a year need targeted interventions. Innovative methods like puppet theaters and visual materials can ensure engagement and facilitate information delivery.
Impact of Conflict Preparedness and Prevention Action in Gaza
He's convinced that these workshops can significantly empower the community, making them more capable of responding to disasters, wars, and hazards. Massive displacements have forced families to evacuate, but through awareness materials, affected communities now have the necessary information and procedures to follow, creating resilience in emergencies. The impact of these sessions is evident, with many people now aware of safety procedures when encountering explosive ordnance.
Challenges
The biggest challenges Mohammed faces as a practitioner include the scarcity of resources due to the complete closure of markets, which barely have basic necessities. The difficulty and danger of moving between places to conduct sessions are significant; "We literally work under fire," he says. High transportation costs and lack of motivation due to dire conditions are additional hurdles. The challenges in Gaza are far greater than one can imagine.
Mohammed believes that community-wide awareness of preparedness and protection measures would reduce the number of injuries. Broader community awareness would enable people to reach safety in the harshest conditions. The community in Gaza strives to cope with the devastating war that has destroyed everything from people to buildings.
All efforts invested in Gaza are deeply appreciated as everyone tries to alleviate the suffering of the people. Expressing gratitude to those who see and support the affected, Mohammed hopes that such interventions continue, wars cease, and everyone enjoys their rights as enshrined in international law, living their lives in peace and security.