Al-Burij Society for Community Rehabilitation (BSCR) celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, December 1, in the presence of official delegations, representatives of local and international organizations, and families of children with disabilities. The celebration also marked the conclusion of a specialized training course on early disability detection and referral, targeting kindergarten teachers in the area.
During his speech, Mr. Hatem Salim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Burij Society for Community Rehabilitation, welcomed the attendees and emphasized that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is not merely an occasion for celebration, but also an opportunity to renew commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities, raise community awareness, and promote their empowerment and meaningful participation in all aspects of life.
Salim highlighted that persons with disabilities are at the heart of efforts to achieve their legitimate rights and aspirations. He stressed the importance of shared responsibility among institutions, organizations, and individuals in supporting persons with disabilities and working together toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
He also expressed his appreciation to the staff of the Society and Al-Burij Special Education School, as well as the children participating in the event, recognizing their efforts in developing services for persons with disabilities. He concluded by expressing his hope that the coming year would bring better circumstances for everyone.
The celebration was attended by a delegation from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), represented by the Special Education Department, headed by Dr. Shaher Yaghi, along with several department staff members. Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), local community organizations, families of children enrolled at Al-Burij Special Education School, and several community figures also attended.
The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the Palestinian national anthem. Children from the school then presented a series of artistic performances reflecting the voices, aspirations, and rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing inclusion and active community participation. The ceremony was presented by teacher Nermin Abu Al-Kas.
On behalf of kindergarten teachers, Ms. Abeer Washah delivered a speech expressing her sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Society's management and staff for their continuous efforts to develop rehabilitation and educational services in the area.
Washah praised the success of the five-day training course, which targeted teachers from 10 kindergartens and focused on early disability detection and referral mechanisms. The training aimed to strengthen teachers' capacities to identify early signs of disabilities among young children and facilitate their access to appropriate services.
The training was implemented as part of the Construction of Two Additional Floors at Al-Burij Society for Community Rehabilitation Project, funded by the German Government through the German Development Bank (KfW), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project aims to enhance rehabilitation services and strengthen early intervention opportunities for children with disabilities.
At the conclusion of the celebration, the Society distributed educational toy boxes and early childhood development guides focusing on early disability detection and referral to the participating kindergartens. Certificates of participation were also awarded to the trainees in recognition of their efforts and to encourage the application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training in early childhood education settings.
This activity reflects Al-Burij Society for Community Rehabilitation's ongoing commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, improving rehabilitation and educational services, and supporting early detection and intervention practices to enhance inclusion and meaningful community participation.
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