(Al Bireh – 26/8/2015): A delegation from the Swedish Red Cross visited on 23-25 August 2015 several PRCS’ branches in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with a view to surveying PRCS’ services, especially in times of crisis.The delegation comprised Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, Head of International Programs, Ms. Ylva Jonsson-Strömberg, Head of the Disaster Management Unit, and Ms. Malena Rembe, Regional Officer.
Delegation members started their tour in the Gaza Strip by visiting Beit Hanoun and Al Shaja’ieh, two areas completely destroyed during the latest Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip. Their second stop was at the Society’s branch in Jabalia, where they surveyed activities implemented under the Emergency and Psychological Health Programs, and toured the Primary Health Care Clinic and the Volunteers’ Department.
A visit was also paid to PRCS/Khan Younis which included the Society’s Capacity Development College, Al Amal Hospital, School for the Disabled as well as training workshops, the Psychosocial support Centre, the Open Studio and the Medical Rehabilitation section.The last stop in the Gaza Strip was to the Society’s headquarters in Gaza City, PRCS’ Al Quds Hospital, EMS Centre, Psychological Health Centre and central warehouses.
Speaking on behalf of her delegation, Ms. Storey voiced her appreciation of humanitarian efforts made by PRCS to assist Palestinians and all those in need and expressed her joy at this visit.
The delegation then headed to the West Bank, namely to PRCS’ branches in Hebron and Al-Bireh. In Hebron, delegation members visited Al Raja’a Special Education Centre, taking a closer look at the services it provides to persons with disabilities, including educational and vocational courses and workshops. They also toured Hebron’s Old City where they got acquainted with life in the Old City and with occupation and settler practices against Palestinians inhabitants.
In Al Bireh, the delegation visited PRCS’ Headquarters and met with its President Dr.Younes Al Khatib, its Director General, Dr. Khaled Joudeh, and a number of directors.Delegation members also toured the Rehabilitation and Capacity Development Department, the EMS Department and the Physiotherapy section.
The delegation concluded its visit to the West Bank in Bardala in the Northern Aghwar where its members surveyed the implementation of the Home Enrichment and the Community-Based First Aid Programs.
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