Success Story of Salman Abdo – Conflict Preparedness and Protection Trainer in Rafah, Gaza Strip
The "Palestine Emergency Early Response" (PEER) project was a turning point for me, a new beginning after months of feeling hopeless in the middle of a displacement camp. It offered a qualitative leap in instilling information and hope among the target groups.
"Where do I start?" This question haunted me for an entire week before I began facilitating the sessions. The story began after I completed the conflict preparedness and protection training implemented by REFORM in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid within the “PEER” project. The goal was to transfer this crucial information to my surrounding community amid the ongoing aggression on the Gaza Strip.
After much thought, I realized that the best place to start was right where I was—in the displacement camp I called home. I chose an empty tent as the venue for our sessions. It became a refuge for everyone, a place where people could gather and share. The sessions were well-received, with everyone expressing their opinions and absorbing the information with eagerness and love.
Facilitating the sessions took the form of an interactive dialogue, rich with the sharing of our woes and experiences. We were all displaced, living together in a camp filled with similar tents. The effectiveness of what I was doing hit me when a camp child stopped me one day. He wanted to show me the protective measures he had learned and shared his dream of becoming a trainer like me. These exercises transformed me into a more confident person, reinforcing the idea that these challenging times create heroes.
The “PEER” project pulled me out of the despair caused by the war and transformed me into a beacon of hope. The interactive sessions not only helped others but also rekindled my spirit. The training made me realize the power of community and the impact one person can have by sharing knowledge and hope.
The experience was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, we can find light. It taught me that resilience and hope can be cultivated through shared knowledge and support. This project didn't just change my perspective; it gave me the tools to inspire and uplift others, turning a state of despair into one of radiant hope.
