In this difficult environment, the Children’s Villages Graduate Association Palestine, a network of over 350 young people who grew up in care at SOS Children’s Villages in Gaza and the West Bank, continues to work with fellow care leavers as they navigate economic instability, social isolation, and mental health struggles, all which have worsened in the ongoing conflict.
"The war on Gaza has negatively impacted all aspects of our lives,” says Ameer Makhalfa, a care leaver from Bethlehem. “Even before the war, our lives were not stable, as the unemployment rate was already high. Yet, we managed to find some level of stability in our work and daily lives.
“But with the war, everything turned into a complete shutdown,” she continues.
As the world focuses on the war in Gaza, military operations have also increased in the West Bank. More than 900 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, and more than 7,100 injured since Oct. 2023. The violence has severely restricted access to healthcare and other essential services, which are especially critical for care leavers who already lack family support structures. Additionally, increased displacement due to military operations further isolates care leavers and disrupts any fragile support networks they might have built.
“We' struggled to make a living so we could feed our children without needing anyone else,” adds Ameer. “On top of that, the cost of living, which was already high before, has skyrocketed, making survival even more difficult."
Youth Unemployment: A Growing Crisis
The war has significantly impacted job opportunities for young people, especially in Bethlehem, where tourism has collapsed. Many who worked in Israel or the West Bank lost their jobs due to infrastructure destruction and mobility restrictions.
Since the start of the war, the overall unemployment rate in the West Bank went from 12.9% to 32%, according to the UN. Youth unemployment is even higher, at 42.6%, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistic.
To help, the care leaver network is providing financial aid to unemployed care leavers, developing upskilling and reskilling programs, and building partnerships with employers who can still offer jobs. They also offer other crucial support to care leavers in need.
For example, two brothers struggling with severe mental health conditions received ongoing medical and financial assistance, along with housing renovations and essential supplies. A young mother of two was able to keep a roof over her head when the network covered her rent when she was unable to pay. Additionally, a care leaver and his newborn child were provided temporary financial aid until he could find work.
In 2025, the network aims to support an additional 100 care leavers through financial assistance, housing support, and job placement.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
A major concern is the psychosocial toll of war on care leavers. Many of them face anxiety, trauma, and uncertainty about the future.
"The mental health crisis among youth in the West Bank is a growing issue that requires serious attention,” says Jamal Sharakek, a care leaver from Bethlehem.
There are modest efforts to provide mental health services, Jamal says, such as establishing specialized centers, providing psychological support through community clinics, and awareness raising programs. However, as the demand for mental health support and social safety nets increases, the network is advocating for long-term solutions to ensure care leavers are not left behind.
“It is necessary to advocate with decision-makers to support this trend and intensify efforts, especially in marginalized areas," Jamal adds.
Advocating for a nationwide network
The Children’s Villages Graduate Association Palestine - currently composed of care leavers from SOS Children's Villages Palestine - has advocated with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Interior to form a national network of care leavers.
With the ministries’ support, they have begun collaborating with other alternative care providers to compile a comprehensive database of care leavers. However, the process remains ongoing, as the primary challenge is the lack of existing records on care leavers. Despite this, the association remains committed to building a structured and supportive network that can effectively address the needs of care leavers across the country.
“We will continue our efforts to meet with decision-makers in government and civil society organizations to form a national network for care leavers,” says Kholoud Issa, a co-founder of the Children’s Villages Graduate Association Palestine and a care leaver from Bethlehem. “This network will serve as an incubator that makes care leavers feel safe and that they have a reference point when they need advice or assistance.”
"We are committed to making a difference,” adds Mohammad Said, another association co-founder. “We want to support, uplift, and create a brighter future for care leavers. SOS Children’s Villages has given us a strong foundation, and together, we will continue this journey of empowerment and solidarity."