UNICEF and Jawwal reach more than half a million people in Gaza with life-saving and child protection messages

Jerusalem, 21 August 2014 – In partnership with Jawwal telecommunications company, UNICEF has reached 550,000 people in Gaza with life-saving and child protection SMS text messages, with the hope of increasing the number of daily messages to 100,000.  These messages aim at reducing child injury and death, decreasing psychosocial distress and increasing protection of children from abuse.

‘Children of Gaza have borne the brunt of the current conflict in Gaza with more than 460 children killed and 3,000 injured’ says June Kunugi, UNICEF Special Representative, State of Palestine.  ‘Half of the 800,000 Gaza children are traumatised, and are in dire need for immediate psychosocial support,’ she added.

More than half a million free of charge text messages were sent targeting the most vulnerable communities in Gaza.  While these messages created a demand for psychosocial support, UNICEF through its partner Sawa, provided a free hotline that was able to respond to more than 200,000 calls, requesting counselling services for children and their caregivers.

‘This is an innovative approach in using SMS messages in support of children in Gaza,’ says Maen Melhem, General Manager of Jawwal.  ‘It is a joint effort with UNICEF, and is aligned with our corporate social responsibility, to support vulnerable children in need,’ added Melhem

The messages provide children and their families with simple tools on how to act during a crisis; how to better help their children cope with the situation, equips them with key skills to identify or mitigate abuses and gives them a channel to voice their concerns and obtain additional support.

About Jawwal:

In 1999, Jawwal was established as the first cellular company in Palestine. As the leading mobile operator, it reaches more than 2.6 million subscribers.  During the current Gaza conflict, Jawwal provided almost $4 million credit to all Jawwal subscribers; 50 per cent discount on post-paid calls and distributed food items for people in shelters at a value of $ 150,000.  For more information about Jawwal and its work, visit: www.jawwal.ps

About Sawa:

Established in 1998, Sawa aims at putting an end to all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation of women and children, by supporting awareness raising initiatives and providing a child protection toll free helpline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about Sawa and its work, visit: www.sawa.ps