In Gaza, a healthcare and vocational training program is enhancing the health and livelihood status of over 25,000 vulnerable people each year, including Palestinian mothers, children and youth. This Act for Peace program provides high quality primary healthcare, especially child and maternal healthcare, and market-linked vocational training services.

Psychosocial support relates social conditions to mental health. It considers the combined influence that psychological factors and the surrounding social environment have on people's physical and mental wellness and their ability to function. In Gaza, psychosocial support for new mothers and people who have suffered trauma helps to prevent serious mental health problems from developing in the future.

The vocational training program is highly regarded among private sector industry in Gaza. It delivers highly skilled and competent graduates for the Gazan workforce, and helps these graduates to access viable employment opportunities in the challenging Gazan labour market. Through livelihood opportunities, this program has helped many young people to help support their families and make a future for themselves.

Fatima is a Palestinian mother and midwife with Act for Peace's local partner in Gaza. She works to make sure sick children get the crucial medical treatment they need. Fatima grew up in Gaza, and knows the hardship people face. Her home, where she lived with her young family, was destroyed in the 2014 conflict. Despite these difficulties, Fatima has an unwavering commitment to serve her community.

"I'm very happy in my job and I think we are helping a lot of people. What I love is that it's about the children and their future. It's always nice to meet healthy children and also to help those that are in need."

Act for Peace works locally in partnership with the Near East Council of Churches, and is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).