HORIZONS NETWORK
In Search of Support: Ahmad’s Walk to Reach Horizons’ Emotional Support for Gaza’s Youth
"I walked about 2 hours to just get access to internet to attend a zoom session with Oulaya" - Ahmad Al Baba
This year, Horizons Academy has been deeply humbled by the incredible in-kind support offered by various institutions and individuals, all united by a shared mission to empower our students during these extraordinarily difficult times. One such partnership, with Linden Education in Germany, has provided a lifeline for our community. In the wake of the October 7th crisis, Linden Education generously facilitated mental health sessions for Horizons staff, equipping them with the emotional tools and resilience they need to support our students through their own trauma. These sessions were led by Oulaya Samhoun, an expert in post-war trauma and an Arabic speaker, whose empathy and understanding have been a beacon of hope for us all. But Oulaya’s dedication didn’t stop with our staff. Recognizing the unique struggles of our Gazan students and those heading to boarding schools, she extended her expertise to offer additional sessions. These moments of care and connection are helping students prepare emotionally for the difficult transition of leaving their families and their homes, as they pursue their dreams of education in an uncertain world. The support from Linden Education and Oulaya’s compassionate guidance have been more than just services—they’ve been acts of humanity, offering strength and solace when it’s been needed most. Through their generosity, we are reminded that even in the darkest times, there are those who will stand beside us, helping us rebuild hope and courage for the future.
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