Nahla Al Abed Jundeia, from Shja’ya in the Gaza Strip, takes care of a family of three, despite the fact that she is only 16 years-old.

She lives with her sister who is at university and her brother Muhammed, who is severely disabled. Nahla and Muhammed are both sponsored by IR donors.

Nahla is in charge of the sponsorship money and with it she runs the home.

“When I receive the two sponsorships I make a budget for our needs. I set money apart for Muhammed’s medications and food. Another part is for food for my sister and I and another for my school fees and for my sister’s university,” she says.

Nahla’s father died when the children were very small; leaving their mother to support the family. When she died Nahla took over from her.

“My mother was sick, yet refused to go to a doctor as our financial situation was not good. When I remember her attitude I feel proud. I want to be like her and stand by my siblings, especially Muhammed,” says Nahla.

“Muhammed needs continuous care as he can’t shoulder his own needs. He has a special diet and I have to be with him a lot of the time. If he needs to go to the toilet I take him,” she says.