World Vision Launches a New Ambitious Training Programme to Enhance Mental Health Support for Adolescents in the West Bank
World Vision International, in collaboration with Juzoor for Health & Social Development, has introduced a new training programme aimed at bolstering mental health support for adolescents in West Bank. This initiative marks the first time participants in the West Bank have been trained on the Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions (EASE) intervention, an innovative, evidence-based approach derived from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnerships with UNICEF, the EASE intervention targets young adolescents aged 10-15 who are frequently exposed to high levels of stress and adversity. The programme equips them with practical skills to manage emotions and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, caregivers are involved to ensure a supportive home environment, fostering more comprehensive mental health care.
Upon completing the training, the 34 participants will support over 3,300 children across 34 communities in the West Bank as part of the “Enhanced Access to MHPSS Services for Vulnerable Communities in Areas C and B in the West Bank” project. This project, implemented by World Vision in partnership with Juzoor for Health & Social Development, is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with a budget of one million euros.
Studies in recent years have indicated a high prevalence of mental health issues among caregivers and children in the West Bank. A June 2023 World Bank report on mental health revealed that approximately 50% of residents in the region experienced depression. Additionally, around 7% of adults screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The situation has likely deteriorated further due to the surge in violence since October 2023 and the ongoing economic crisis. Adolescence is a critical period for developing social and emotional habits essential for mental well-being. Addressing mental health concerns at this stage is crucial to preventing more severe, long-term issues.
Over the last 12 months, as part of its emergency response in the West Bank, Wolrd Vision provided mental health and psychosocial supports to close to 36,000 people.
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About the project
The “Enhanced Access to MHPSS Services for Vulnerable Communities in Areas C and B in the West Bank” project is implemented by World Vision International and Juzoor For Health & Social Development, with the financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It aims at improving the mental health and well-being of children and families in areas B and C of the West Bank. The 36-month project, with a budget of one million euros, will be implemented in 34 communities located in Hebron, the Jordan Valley, Nablus, and Tubas.
About World Vision
World Vision International is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision International serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
World Vision started operating in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza in 1975. Since then, the organization has developed one of the most extensive community-based presences among organizations operating in the West Bank, with 85 dedicated staff, more than 300 volunteers and an annual budget of $11 million for 2024. Our programmes focus on Early Childhood Development, Education in Emergencies, Child Protection and Child and youth Resilience and Life Skills. In 2023, these programmes directly benefited over 136,000 individuals, including 95,000 children residing in 150 villages across the West Bank. Over 2024, our emergency response reached more than 233,000 people in 250 villages and communities in the West Bank.
About Juzoor
Established in 1996, Juzoor is a leading Palestinian NGO dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Palestinian families and promoting health rights in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It promotes an interdisciplinary, cross sectoral approach to improving the health and social well-being of individuals, families and communities based on national targets and needs.