Gaza: A Day with Deaf Children

Annually on December 3^rd, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

A few weeks later, on the 27^th of December, iYouth members participated in this day of awareness by visiting Jabalia rehabilitation society in Northern Gaza Jabalia Camp. December 27^th was chosen as the day to visit the center, in part to commemorate the 3^rd anniversary of the suffering that the Palestinian people faced during the offensive operation on Gaza in December 2008. The youth decided to turn their attention towards hearing impaired children at the center. They spent time together talking, playing games, and having their faces painted. 

The Youth went to Jabalia rehabilitation society, with a full schedule of activities to entertain the deaf children. There were 14 iYouth members and 25 children participating from the society. In the morning, a sign language interpreter and a teacher from the center were helping us communicate with the children. We started our activities with introductions from both groups and then talked about the games we would be playing the rest of the day.  After a while the youth were able to communicate with the children even without knowing sign language very well. The atmosphere was amazing, letting everyone know how special a day it was going to be.

The activities included many entertaining games, drawing sessions, and face painting. The kids were so happy and excited. The iYouth members enjoyed the events as well, especially the impromptu sign language lesson they were given.

And finally before saying goodbye, we took a picture together with all the children and youth and distributed parting gifts.