20 May: First project, next steps, and get involved
This month, Heal Minds Gaza partnered with an artist in Gaza to paint murals that convey the mental health and emotional challenges facing Palestinian children who experience detention, and to raise awareness about their ongoing cause.
Our first project is complete!
This month, Heal Minds Gaza partnered with an artist in Gaza to paint murals that convey the mental health and emotional challenges facing Palestinian children who experience detention, and to raise awareness about their ongoing cause.
360 Palestinian children remain in occupation prisons. Those who have returned to Gaza grapple with enormous barriers to social reintegration in their communities. By placing these murals in visible locations in the children’s communities, we aim to promote collective awareness about their cause while helping them feel heard.
Next for Heal Minds Gaza
Film: The project is finalizing production of a short film, in partnership with a local filmmaker in Gaza, to share crucial testimony from a child who was detained in an occupation prison, and discussion from legal and psychological experts about the violence that Palestinian children experience in occupation prisons. We anticipate completing the film by the end of May.
Testimonies and recovery kits: In our April update, we shared that we were shifting the project to better center the children’s complex needs while working around the difficult conditions on the ground. Right now, we’re working with local journalists on collecting the children’s testimonies, assessing their needs, and delivering their mental health recovery kits. We expect to share an update about this in the next three weeks.
Status of funds (as of 20 May)
Expenses:
15 April: £611.95 ($800) - First of two installments for film production, covering the filmmaker’s labor and materials. The second installment of $770 ($700 for labor + $70 for receiving bank fees) will be sent at completion.
29 April: £719.67 ($935) - Mural costs ($200 for the coordinator, $150 per mural for the artist, $400 for materials, and $35 for the receiving bank fee).
Campaign status:
Raised on Chuffed: £10,270.90
After Chuffed/PayPal fees: £9,953.98
Pending from Stripe: £25.33
Spent: £1,331.62
Balance: £8,597.03
Other ways to get involved
Help us publish the testimonies: We’re looking for Arabic-to-English and Arabic-to-Italian translators; a book designer; and book printers in the UK and Italy. Please reach out here: healmindsgaza@protonmail.com.
Learn: We’ve put together a resource with the latest articles, podcasts, and videos covering the cause of the Palestinian prisoners.
More: You can find all of the project’s links and transparency information on our LinkTree. Questions or ideas? Email us any time at healmindsgaza@protonmail.com.
