In the Community Center of the refugee camp Shu’Fat I was very warmly received and updated on the latest developments.

 

‘Children in Palestine’ supports the Community Center Shu’Fat and primarily the special class of disabled children aged 9-15 years with different disabilities, among them: Raafat, a 7year-old boy from a poor family, who cannot write or read due to mental disability, Ala, a 12 year-old mentally retarded girl, Imad, a 12 year-old orphan with ADHD syndrome and Daood, a 10 year-old boy with growth retardation coming from a family with an addicted father. Through our support it was possible to ensure part of the teacher’s salary and to buy books, stationary and educational toys for handicapped children taking part in the special support class. In addition, health care to children in need was covered so that medicines and treatment could be provided; some children require continuous medical treatment. Furthermore, several children received specific physiotherapy treatments, e.g. integrative manual therapy, or sequential sessions with a psychologist to improve the integration of disabled children within their families.

The number of children coming to the Shu’Fat Community Center and looking for support is continuously increasing - especially since the news spread that disabled children receive special support to cope with their difficult situation.

Despite very limited teaching accessories, all nine children who continuously attended the special class given by Ibtesam Abu Rajab, could move on to the regular school. Immediately, there were thirteen new children who will fill the small class-room for special support teaching.

Fortunately, by the beginning of 2011, a new classroom will be ready for these disabled children – that, however, is still missing adequate basic educational tools.

For the first time I visited the small village of Abu Dis. Although situated right outside of Jerusalem, the journey by bus, trespassing the checkpoints in the wall, took about one hour. After some detours, I found my way to the Abu Dis Medical Center were I met Dr. Abdullah Abu Helal, the Medical Director of that center. He showed me around and I was impressed, how he is able to treat his numerous patients under conditions so far below the medical standards we are used to since long in Europe. Especially, emergency situations represent a big challenge since no hospital is at timely reach due to the newly built wall.
In addition to his job at the Abu Dis Medical Center, Dr. Abdullah Abu Helal coordinates the Shehadah Mohsen Diabetic Clinic where children and adults receive counselling and treatment. Frequently, however, expensive special medicines cannot be provided.

Upon viewing the empty shelves for special drugs, I ensured Dr. Abdullah Abu Helal that ‘Children-in-Palestine’ will support the continuous medical treatment of diabetic children.

The Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association is coordinated by Abdulwahab Sabbah and supported also by Dr. Abdullah Abu Helal. Major activities of this joint venture organisation are youth exchange programs taking place since several years between Camden/England and the village of Abu Dis with a special focus on teachings of human rights. Maybe a similar exchange program can be established in the near future engaging a Swiss organisation.

In East-Jerusalem, I learned more about the increasing need for support of children to visit a private school. Also, I met with young adults who are lacking the chance of a qualified education, cannot afford adequate university programs or wish to exchange freely with international youth, e.g. in peace camps abroad.

It is my heartfelt wish to conclude this report in deep gratefulness to all donors to ‘Children-in-Palestine’ who make it possible to lighten up the lives of more and more children in daily basic needs.

December 2010
Hildegard Montz
CEO Children in Palestine