Children with Special Needs

Report 2012

The International Board on Books for Young People’ Palestinian Section (PBBY) implemented in cooperation with the Rehabilitation Center of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS)- Khan Younis, many workshops with handicapped children “deaf/dumb” children and with children with “learning difficulties”. Workshops in drama, puppet making in creative writing and illustrations were implemented with the deaf/dumb children; while singing sessions for children with learning difficulties.
These events and activities are characterized by being a special, unique and different from activities in other places. It is worth mentioning that it is the second cooperation between Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and their Rehabilitation Center which provides educational and training services for different disabilities and PBBY. The activities play a very important role in the process of rehabilitation and integration in the community.
Children who participated in these workshops demonstrated a lot of creativity. They wrote stories about Gaza war and other beautiful stories, where they expressed their dreams, wishes and needs; with the help of the trainer, they distributed the text on a story board and drew expressive illustrations of the story.
As for the puppet making the trainer taught the children to draw pictures on paper and then draw it on the cloth, after that, they cut the cloth and sew it and finally stuffed the puppets with wool and completed them artistically and beautifully. Then the children used these puppets to dramatize some stories told to them in sign language used with all their activities.
At the music corner the trainer began to play piano and taught the children with ‘learning difficulties’ folk and national songs and songs related to their social life. Children sang about homeland and human rights, and called through songs for their rights to live in an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity.
Finally, the implementation of these resourceful activities resulted in a significant positive impact on the children with Special Needs; we drew their smile, enhanced creativity and self esteem; as they need attention and the opportunity to show their talents and their shattered emotions!