Assist kids with hearing disabilities in Palestine

Dear friends,

After the school re-opening in mid-August with great enthusiasm various educational activities have been planned, marked by the creativity and imagination of our pupils. It was not possible to organize activities outside, as solution culitary, drawing, collage with beads, stones and partly mosaic activites have been organized. In the center, children through creative activities are able to express their emotions through art, creating an environment of serenity and sharing.

Also this year, we started speech therapy sessions for every child at Effetà Institute; families also play a key role in this training, as the speech therapist points out.

In such a difficult time because of the war, support for families is very important not only in dealing with their children's deafness but also in managing the economic and work difficulties caused by the war.

The Dorothean Sisters, who have always run the Institute, told us that unfortunately fewer and fewer students can reach the school. In fact, most of them  live far away and are unable to travel because it is risky to travel the roads and cross checkpoints.

A year ago there were already many problems, but in the last few months the situation has changed: families are struggling and can no longer afford to pay school fees. In the cities, many businesses have already closed, work permits have been revoked and it is now impossible to cross the wall.

We believe that every therapy is important to bring them closer to social inclusion, improving their communication skills and making them more independent.

We thank you for your donations which are extremely necessary for these children especially in this time of war!

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Dear donors,

the war continues and the situation in Bethlehem remains complicated. Events related to the conflict in the Gaza Strip generate a negative impact on the Palestinian population and the country's economy is facing an unprecedented crisis. However, despite the difficulties, the Effetà Institute of Bethlehem continues to operate with determination, offering education, rehabilitation and support to deaf children, allowing them to face social challenges with the knowledge that deafness is not an obstacle to their future.

Due to the war, children living far from the Institute can sleep at school for most of the week. During the afternoon activities, they are followed by educators, volunteers and nuns who take care of them. This arrangement not only ensures continuity of education but also offers a safe and welcoming environment where children can feel protected and supported.

We are happy that sport and artistic activities have been resumed in recent weeks, after giving priority to recovering the basic lessons lost in the first six months due to the war. Sport, colors and creativity were the protagonists in the school, allowing children to experience moments of happiness and carefreeness. All the children had the opportunity to express their emotions through art and play, creating an environment of peace. Art has become a means through which children can process the traumas of war and regain a sense of normality and joy.

In addition to recreational activities, school lessons continued. Oral communication is the method used at the Effetà Institute. From an early age, children are taught language through acoustic training, lip reading and imitation of the articulation of words. These methods allow children to develop communication skills that are fundamental for their integration into society. Since June, it has been holiday time for the children, but not for the staff and educators, who are already working to prepare and face the next school year in the best possible way.

Thank you for continuing to support children during this difficult time for Palestine! Your help makes the difference, allowing our little ones to build a better future despite the adversities that surround them.