MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (Jan. 2, 2009)—World Vision will provide emergency assistance to 50,000 of the most vulnerable children and families in Gaza with food parcels, blankets and other basic supplies as soon as the situation permits, the international relief and development organization said on Friday.

World Vision is especially concerned about those who have fled their homes seeking sanctuary from the air strikes and are now without shelter.

“Our priority is to assist those who are living in intolerable conditions with limited access to food, water or medical facilities,” said Charles Clayton, World Vision’s National Director for Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza. “Eighty percent of the people in Gaza are already dependent on food aid, and even those who relied on a meager daily income find that it is no longer available.”

World Vision Canada has called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other world leaders to work towards an immediate ceasefire. A ceasefire would allow World Vision and other aid agencies to carry out emergency assistance. World Vision continues to advocate for peaceful means to resolve outstanding differences in the longer term in accordance with international law and human rights conventions.
 
Once the current situation stabilizes, World Vision plans to develop work activities that will address food security needs and help families with public assistance for basics like medication, food and water and household supplies.

Even before the recent outbreak of violence, a baseline survey conducted on December 18 in the Beit Lahya community in North Gaza where World Vision works showed extreme poverty and trauma among children. Since then, staff members have seen the situation worsen significantly.

“The number of children showing signs of trauma is rapidly increasing,” said Mohammad El Halaby, World Vision’s community development manager in the Beit Lahya community.

The December 18 survey conducted by World Vision showed: 

• More than 33.1 percent of families in Beit Lahya have 10 or more family members and live in extreme poverty. They rely on coupons for food and cannot afford to adequately clothe and educate their children.
• Among children, bedwetting and nightmares are common—both linked with fear and anxiety as a result of the ongoing conflict. "Most children experiencing nightmares lack concentration and have attention deficit disorders," said a teacher in a focus group session.
• While nearly every household in Beit Lahya has access to water, the quality is so poor that 95 per cent of households have to buy their drinking water. Many children are affected by parasites and diarrhea, which is adequately treated in only 24 per cent of cases.

World Vision’s activities in the Gaza Strip have been suspended with shelling going on hourly and randomly, but World Vision staff members continue to check on the well-being of the sponsored children and visit program areas to assess the situation when possible. Psychosocial care, educational support and recreational activities for children are at the core of our work there.

World Vision supports more than 23,000 children in the West Bank and Gaza, including 6,000 children sponsored by Canadians in the West Bank. World Vision began working in Israel and the Palestinian territories in 1975.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

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To interview World Vision staff, please contact:

Yoko Kobayashi
905-565-6200 ext. 2151
416-671-0086 (cell)
yoko_kobayashi@worldvision.ca       

Alex Sancton
905-565-6200 ext.3949
416-419-1321 (cell)
alex_sancton@worldvision.ca