Our Cairo partnership for Gaza’s children
July 16, 2026Chrissie Cvetković-Hirst, Director
June ended and July began with a visit to our partner in Cairo, Ahfad Al-Zaytoun (the “Descendants of Olive Trees” initiative, known as AAZ)
AAZ supports children from Gaza who have been medically evacuated. While these children are offered housing and receive medical treatment in Egypt, there is no organised education or pastoral support beyond the Palestine Ministry of Education’s online resources. That’s where AAZ steps in: a learning centre offering taught classes in the Palestinian curriculum and educational activities, all underpinned by trauma-informed approaches.
I travelled with Firefly’s Programme Director, Maria Chambers, and having her expertise in child trauma therapy and classroom experience alongside me made all the difference. We spent time talking through needs and challenges with Israa and Tamer, AAZ’s founders and leads, who described how children arriving in recent months, after longer periods of instability and displacement within Gaza, have needed additional care.
Nashwa, AAZ’s Trauma Lead, put it simply: “all these children have complex trauma.”
We sat in on classes and spoke with children and volunteers, and it was clear just how much the warmth of the AAZ team does for these children, through teaching that’s both tailored and inclusive. Beyond the curriculum, AAZ also helps children hold on to their Palestinian heritage, weaving art, music, and cooking from home into their programme.
Seeing AAZ’s work up close, and hearing directly from the team about what they value and need most, was invaluable. Maria and I have come home with fresh insight, new ideas, and real energy to bring to our partnership with AAZ.