Family Based Care Coordinator Rafah, SOS Children’s Villages Palestine
Don’t give up things you believe in
When enthusiasm meets with only cautious approval
I was proud of my work for the children who have lost parental care or even lost their parents and I was keen to do what I could in the best interest of the children. Enthusiastic to do my best in the interest of the children, I began to share our goals, vision and reintegration policy with our partners, the Ministry of Social Development. They already knew the work of SOS Children’s Villages and they trusted in the work we did with the children being cared for at an SOS Children’s Village. Despite their trust, I struggled to convince them about the idea of reintegrating children in their local community in community houses. They doubted this was a safe environment for the children and SOS parents who, in our case, are all females, so I will call them SOS mothers.
In fact, our government and, to be more precise, the Ministry of Social Development, is considered strict with regard to children of different sexes living together in one household if they are not biological siblings. As a result, at first they refused and hindered the implementation of the reintegration policy.
As I am convinced of this approach, I asked myself, “What can I do to convince them about the benefits and show them what we do?” I thought, “If I invite them to visit the SOS Children’s Village and sit with the SOS mothers and the children, they will get a better impression of our work”. Next time we met, I invited them and they promised to come.
Another try to get government support
I knew now it was my turn to prepare the SOS mothers for their visit. I informed the SOS mothers that representatives of the Ministry of Social Development would come and ask many questions. They would want to learn about their lives as SOS mothers, their houses and how the girls and boys in their care treat each other. I knew that to see that boys and girls sleep in one room might make them especially doubtful.
I decided to prepare the SOS mothers and children of the programme I am responsible for. I wanted them to know how to protect themselves and deal with issues they might be facing in the neighbourhood. We therefore organised trainings on child protection, communication and life skills to facilitate their learning and understanding. In consequence, co-workers e.g. prepared a child development plan for each child in consultation with the child and his/her SOS mother. The SOS mother is responsible to follow up the individual development plan of each child in her care within a defined implementation period. Consequently, we train our SOS mothers about how to follow-up on the implementation of these plans.
I trusted that the Ministry of Social Development would see and feel that the SOS mothers and I talk with one voice. So on the day they came to the SOS Children’s Village, I felt relaxed. I greeted them and then I went to my office. They talked for about two hours with the SOS mothers. After their conversation, I joined them and we had lunch together with the children. I wanted to show them that the mothers act without pressure from my side and that we talk with each other very openly. In addition, I wanted them to understand and experience that the children treat each other like brothers and sisters.
The change: when personal experience proves right
They were very pleased with what they saw. However, we did not stop holding workshops and weekly meetings to convince them even further about the quality of our care. It was not an easy process and it was a long journey. Some meetings ended without any achievements, but we were determined to reach our goals and complete what we started. The result of their visit was the beginning of changing ideas and trends. They found our work very effective and caring, so we finally earned the government’s support.
I believe that success came through our efforts to consult with all the partners. Now the reintegration programme is running well despite the initial hesitation and resistance. Finally, after all this effort and determination, they have started to believe in and support our mission.
Samar Fathy Zourub
Samar’s passion lies in helping people who are less advantaged, in supporting people in need. She is interested in working with children and families. The SOS Children’s Village values that are courage, commitment, trust and accountability have enhanced her personality in leadership.
She is a proud mother of four boys, two of whom live in Germany while the others live with her in the beautiful city of Rafah, near the beach and close to the SOS Children’s Village. Samar adores walking through the park between trees and flowers, exploring and finding peace in nature. Her favourite sport is table tennis.
Samar’s home country, Palestine ̶ Gaza strip ̶ is famous for its natural beauty, nice weather, delicious fresh fish dishes and resorts where you can find joyful relaxation.
In 2001, she began her professional career at SOS Children Villages in Rafah. First she was a social worker, after that an educational adviser and finally she was promoted to be village director. Today her role is called Family Based Care Coordinator. This is her childhood dream, especially as she is the first female village director in her country.