(Al-Bireh - 4/4/2018): PRCS concluded today a sports and recreational camp for persons with disabilities from northern and central West Bank areas. Held in Al Zabadheh (Jenin Governorate) with the participation of 80 disabled persons and their families, this three-day camp marked the Palestinian Children’s Day, celebrated on the 5th of April to promote the rights of Palestinian children in general and of disabled children in particular.
Several PRCS’ directors, representatives from the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, local community leaders from Jenin Governorate and many PRCS’ staff and volunteers attended the camp’s opening ceremony. The camp itself featured several activities including freestyle drawing, Bocce matches, Telematch games as well as stress release, venting and recreational activities.
In his address, PRCS’ President Dr. Younis Al Khatib said “this year is very special because it marks the Society’s 50th anniversary. To celebrate this important milestone, PRCS has laid the cornerstone for a school for hearing impaired children because ensuring an education for the hearing impaired is a top priority”. Al Khatib added that PRCS gives utmost importance to disabled children as they are a key component of our society. He also lauded efforts made by PRCS’ staff and volunteers working in the field of rehabilitation and commended the hard work carried out by partners from the International Movement who support programs targeting Palestinian children and aimed at enhancing the resilience of the local population.
Dr. Samer Al Ahmad, Director of the Na’im Khader Center where the camp was held, welcomed PRCS’ President and accompanying delegation. He lauded PRCS for the wide array of services it provides to persons with disabilities.
Rabah Jaber, Head of the Community Work Department at PRCS, said that PRCS pays utmost attention and offers many services to Palestinian children who make up 49% of the population. “Palestinian children are marginalized and suffer the most under Israel’s occupation which denies them their basic rights”, he added.
Ja’afar Nabhan, Coordinator of the Childhood Protection Network in Jenin Governorate, lauded efforts made by PRCS and commended the support it provides to institutions working with children in general and with disabled children in particular.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Al Khatib honored the following disabled children who won medals at the Special Olympics IX MENA Games held in March in Abu Dhabi: Fadi Jahaleen, Anas Al Zorba, Nada Ra’ian, Nidal Hirzallah and Nasser Toukan. He also honored their coaches Samiah Abou Ziyad, Nisreen Makboul and Firas Filyan.
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