By Ruaa Abu Odeh | Project leader
During the last three months, the project “Drawing a Smile for Disabled Children in Bethlehem” continued to provide essential rehabilitation and psychosocial support services for children with disabilities in Bethlehem.
Despite the extremely difficult humanitarian and economic situation caused by the ongoing conflict, our team remained committed to ensuring continuity of care for the most vulnerable children. However, due to severe funding shortages, we have been forced to reduce some activities and operate partially instead of at full capacity.
The project continues to focus on improving the quality of life of children with disabilities through therapeutic interventions, psychosocial support, and family-centered care.
Key Activities Implemented
Success Stories (Case Highlights) Case 1: Improved Communication and Confidence
A 9-year-old child with developmental delays showed significant improvement in communication skills after consistent therapy sessions. The child, who initially avoided interaction, began expressing emotions through drawing and simple words, which strengthened family bonding and reduced isolation.
Case 2: Mobility Progress in a Child with Physical Disability
A 7-year-old child with physical impairment demonstrated better mobility and independence in daily activities after receiving continuous rehabilitation sessions. The child is now able to perform basic self-care tasks with minimal assistance, which has greatly reduced caregiver burden.
Case 3: Psychosocial Support for Mother
A mother of a child with severe disability reported reduced stress and improved coping mechanisms after participating in counseling sessions. She expressed feeling “less alone” and more capable of supporting her child despite difficult living conditions.
Challenges
Current Situation
Due to the ongoing war and economic crisis, many families are unable to travel to our center. As a result, we are currently planning to shift toward home-based rehabilitation services to ensure continuity of care for children who cannot reach us.
However, this transition requires additional resources, transportation support, and trained staff, which are currently beyond our limited capacity.
Future Plan: Home Visit Program
We are actively developing a Home-Based Rehabilitation Program, which will include:
This approach will help us reach more vulnerable children and ensure that no child is left without support due to financial or mobility barriers
Financial Situation & Urgent Need
The project is currently operating under significant financial strain. Without continued support, we risk reducing services further, which would directly impact children who depend on us for essential rehabilitation care.
We are deeply concerned that lack of funding may force us to shift to minimal or partial services, which would negatively affect progress achieved so far.
Call for Support
We kindly and urgently appeal to our donors and supporters to continue standing with us.
Your support is not only funding services—it is restoring hope, dignity, and function for children with disabilities living under extremely difficult conditions.
Every contribution helps us:
Closing Message
Despite all challenges, we remain committed to continuing our mission of bringing hope and smiles to children with disabilities in Bethlehem. With your continued support, we can ensure that these children receive the care they deserve, even in the most difficult times.
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