Central South Hebron Area Program

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2016 - 2031

Location

Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza

Areas of Focus

Health | Child Protection and Participation

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

11youth participated in life skills training through World Vision programs

Progress

8people know key child protection risks and how to properly respond or find support

Progress

4caregivers were trained to support young children's early development, reading and numeracy skills through play

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

The villages of Central South Hebron are among the poorest in the West Bank. Around 25,000 people call this area home and more than 40 per cent are children. As a result of many years under occupation and division, life is difficult. Large families live in crowded houses without access to proper sanitation and hygiene.

Families have trouble tending land and hot, dry conditions plus a lack of water makes farming a challenge. More than a third of families don't have enough food. Unemployment is high and children often work to help their families. Schools are in poor condition and on cold winter days, children don't attend. In some areas, children must walk long distances to even get to school. Children need safe places to play and are sometimes exposed to violence and abuse.

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Challenges
Health Care
The environment in Central South Hebron is a threat to people's health. Wastewater is channelled into open streams, polluting the land and water and sewage is disposed of in open streams. Garbage is either burned in open spaces or dumped outside the village. Children under age five suffer from high rates of anemia and a quarter of are malnourished. Health clinics lack supplies and services are poor.

Mothers and caregivers need better information on how to properly feed and care for children and themselves. Special focus should be given to pregnant mothers and children under age two so mothers can learn about healthy practices during pregnancy, exclusive breast feeding, proper hygiene and how to prevent and treat illness. Community members also need education on harmful traditional practices and their impact on children's health.

Education

Because of the high population of children in Central South Hebron, there are not enough schools to accommodate the ever-increasing number of students. Existing schools are broken down and many do not have proper hygiene and water facilities. Up to 15% of the population cannot read or write. The Ministry of Education is working to upgrade teachers' skills, however, there is still a need for more training.

There are few kindergartens in the community and teachers are not specialized in early childhood development. Many of the schools lack the capacity to educate children with special needs. Most youth have no access to recreational programs and spend the majority of their time at home. Although youth clubs exist, they are poorly managed and equipped.



Economic Development

Because of low crop yields, most families depend on livestock rearing which is severely affected by poor soil conditions and lack of water.

Parents struggle to earn a living and the community's location near Israeli settlements and the separation wall only worsens the situation. Just under half of working-age people are employed. Additionally, new application criteria has made it difficult for community members to get a valid work permit. Children are often expected to work in small family businesses or in building block factories.
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Plans
Health
To improve the health of pregnant mothers and children in Central South Hebron, World Vision will:
  • Conduct awareness sessions in homes, schools and the community on positive health and nutrition practices
  • Train Community Health Workers on maternal, newborn and child health practices to improve their well-being
  • Work with the Ministry of Health to provide health services and assistance for children with disabilities

Education
To help children in the community enjoy quality education, World Vision will work with partners to:
  • Support the community in rehabilitating classrooms and providing books and furniture
  • Train teachers on improved methods, especially for kindergarten age and disabled students
  • Deliver training and tools so that extracurricular activities can run outside of the classroom

Economic Development

To help create economic opportunities for youth, women and heads of poor households, World Vision will work to:
  • Support youth internships and conduct awareness sessions in the community to increase youth's skills
  • Mobilize youth and women to develop Community Based Organizations based on community needs
  • Support small businesses and income generating projects through practical training to increase employability of women and youth
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An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.