Children’s activities in north Gaza
[image copyright: Refugee Biriyani & Bananas]

by E. Mark Windle

“Joy and smiles were clearly visible on the children’s faces while they played and received sweets and chocolates. Several told the volunteers that they were very grateful because it made them feel happy and cared for, despite the difficult circumstances they are living through.”

Omneya (volunteer Gaza RBB team member)

Refugee Biryani & Bananas strives to provide basic necessities in humanitarian crises with dignity. Our aim is to deliver essentials directly to those who need them most, whether the requirement is for food parcels, hygiene items and shelter. 

In addition to physical aid, RBB also recognises the importance of supporting psychological wellbeing. The World Health Organisation highlights that nearly all people affected by global emergencies experience psychological distress. Being exposed to war, violence and displacement destroys the sense of safety. 

One in five people living in post-conflict environments have mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. The loss or separation of family members, being uprooted from home routines and living in overcrowded camps can also trigger feelings of grief, hopelessness and emotional exhaustion.

Practical ways to address the mental burden of humanitarian crises such as organising community events or treats should not be viewed as a ‘luxury’ compared to physical aid provision. At RBB we believe boosting morale and lifting community spirit are essential in sustaining individuals on their journey to a safer and more secure future.

Appreciating the role of our community team volunteers

Eighty percent of our team members come directly from the actual communities we support. Deep local connections ensure that RBB’s input is respectful, efficient and targeted to real-time needs. As Ruhi, RBB’s founder and CEO points out: “It’s not just about representation, it’s about trust and understanding the communities we support.” This approach helps to build solidarity and a dedicated, tight-knit volunteer family who may come from different cultures but have shared experiences and purpose.

Distributions are hard work. In a single day, our teams can deliver up to 1,000 parcels of aid. A typical day starts at early dawn organising supplies. Then it’s all hands on deck to sort and pack individual parcels, load vehicles and transport the goods to distribution points. A lot goes on behind the scenes too, as members handle things like critical administration tasks and tracking data.

In humanitarian crises, the ability to make food choices preserves dignity and provides a sense of control amidst unpredictable, chaotic or dangerous daily life. To ensure that RBB’s aid is relevant, we listen closely to the needs of the community.

Team cooking session in Chios, Greece
[image copyright: Refugee Biriyani & Bananas]

In recognising the vital role our community members play, at RBB we show our appreciation in different ways. In 2024-2025 we provided 3,605 portions of cooked food for people in Chios, Athens, Gaza and Cairo. Food was bought, cooked and distributed during outreach sessions for the wider community, for celebrations and activities, and during field work for our community volunteers.

On Chios, there are some beautiful beaches. However, because of the three-hour walk to the coast from Vial camp (where many of our volunteers live), people are rarely able to enjoy them. After one busy series of outreach, assessments and distributions, the team took a much-needed break at Karfas beach. That day was filled with laughter, emotional reunions, sharing food and playing games on the sand. The dance-offs, music and spontaneous conversations reflected a beautiful mix of cultures and provided some welcome respite from the poor conditions in the camp.

Rando Wagner, a visiting volunteer and long term friend of RBB, recalls another occasion:

“As a thank you for helping us to distribute 900 food packs to the residents of Vial Camp, we took the guys to the beach. We ended up being a group of three Greeks, one Iraqi, one French Australian, two Palestinians, one Afghan, seven Sudanese, a British German and a British Bangladeshi. Everyone had a great time swimming and playing football. When we first arrived on the beach three Greek teenagers were playing volleyball: one against two. To make up the numbers, Usama, one of our Sudanese brothers, took off his shirt, jumped onto the court and started playing with them like they were old friends. For the next hour or so they ruled the game. I had to admire Usama for being so bold and brave, and just a few weeks after arriving in Europe. Oh, and then there was a lot of singing in the van on the way back to camp!”

Beach day in Chios, Greece
[Image: Refugee Biriyani & Bananas]

Social activities

RBB also runs social activities in all the regions where we operate. Recent examples include games and sports themed events and cooking sessions. In Gaza, the destruction of infrastructure and displacement have left thousands of families and individuals isolated. Many find themselves cut off from the major distribution hubs and larger humanitarian organisations often struggle to reach them. Our team moves from camp to camp, delivering aid directly to those living in tents. At the same time, we provide activities for children which help to bring individuals together and maintain psychological wellbeing.

In one camp in the north, sessions enabled 321 children to enjoy music, dancing, face painting, singing, ice cream and special visitors including a clown and someone in costume. After years of constant fear and living under bombardment and blockade, the sound of laughter could be heard. Smiles had finally returned to the children of northern Gaza.

Face painting activities in north Gaza
[Image: Refugee Biriyani & Bananas]

The power of treats

Being able to celebrate social and festival periods is also a part of spiritual and psychological wellbeing. During Ramadan, Eid and Christmas RBB provides treats such as sweets and cake bars to children, particularly to those who are among the most vulnerable and socially isolated. Distributing comfort food to children may seem a modest act but provides a moment of joy and a sense that they have not been forgotten. 

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RBB acts to support the mental health of displaced communities. Using morale-boosting activities to raise community spirits is an essential part of our operations. By building trust, rewarding our community-based volunteers, and providing moments of joy for children, we do all we can to help individuals maintain psychological well-being during crisis.

To enable us to continue this work in Gaza, Chios and Cairo please consider donating today to Refugee Biriyani and Bananas.