Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children: Improving the Quality of Life for Deaf and Marginalized People in the Gaza Strip
Sewing, embroidery and culinary arts are the focus of eight new vocational training courses implemented by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) as part of its EU-funded 'Production Oriented Vocational Training and Employment Programme' (POVT& EP) to provide job opportunities for deaf and marginalized people in the Gaza Strip.
The courses will be launched at the Atfaluna Society building during May and June 2009. Eighty deaf, hearing impaired and marginalized people will attend the training. The courses aim to provide trainees with information about Atfaluna's Home-Based Production System, and detailed training in the production of standardized products.
According to Project manager Suad Lubbad, "The Production Oriented Vocational Training will enhance and provide job opportunities for the deaf, hearing impaired and marginalized people, and improve their economic, social and health status. Furthermore, the courses will build-up their capacity to advocate for their rights and needs. "
Hekmat Ashour, a trainee in the embroidery course, said: "It is a great pleasure for me to take part in this training and I learn about Palestinian culture. When I work in embroidery, I feel creative, self confident and I forget my stress. When the training finishes, I will have an income for me and my family, and I will be able to cover my university expenses."
The POVT& EP Program is one of the activities carried out since 2006 under the 'Improving the Quality of Life for Deaf and Marginalized People in The Gaza Strip Project' co-funded by the European Union (with a maximum contribution of EUR750,000), and Christoffel-Blindenmission, Germany. About 23,000 deaf and marginalized persons will benefit from this program during the four years of the project cycle.
The Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children (http://www.atfaluna.net) is a non-profit society established in the Gaza Strip in 1992. It aims to improve the quality of life of deaf children and adults and help them reach their full potential by providing quality education, health care, social services, and work opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Randa Abukumail - Atfaluna PR Manager
Telefaxes: + 972-8-2828495 or 2865468