Thursday, 21 May 2026 marked the Election Day for the Child, Youth, and Staff Representatives of the Ombuds Office for SOS Children’s Villages in Palestine. It was a meaningful and exciting day for children and youth from both the Bethlehem and Gaza evacuated group within the Family-Like Care Programs.

This day placed children and young people at the heart of the decision-making process, recognizing them as active and responsible individuals, and giving them the opportunity to exercise their right to freedom of expression and to choose their own representatives. With the presence of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine team.

The elections were organized through a highly participatory and child-friendly approach, with children and youth involved in every step — from designing the ballot box, posters, decorations, awards, and photo corner, to selecting the background music. Their creativity, ownership, and engagement were visible throughout the entire event.

Children and youth from the SOS Children’s Parliament and Youth Council also played an important role as part of the Order and Support Committee, helping ensure the smooth organization of the election day, while all children and youth from the programs actively participated in the decision-making process.

The child candidates confidently delivered their election speeches in front of fellow children, youth, and SOS staff members, contributing to an empowering and inspiring atmosphere.

The elections, voted on entirely by children and youth, resulted in the selection of six Child and Youth Representatives: two from the Bethlehem Family-Like Care Program, two from the Gaza Family-Like Care Program, and two from the Family Strengthening Program. Children and youth also elected one Staff Representative from Bethlehem and one from the Gaza evacuated group within the Family-Like Care Program.

The selected representatives will serve as an access point between children, youth, and the Ombuds Office, supporting communication, participation, and engagement with the Palestine National Ombuds and related initiatives across SOS Children’s Villages in Palestine.