MoSD Inaugurates "Palestinian Hope" Camp in Qalqilya and Inspects Economic Empowerment Project for Persons with Disabilities

Qalqilya – As part of her field tour in Qalqilya Governorate, Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, inaugurated the “Palestinian Hope” summer camp at Al-Qalb Al-Kabir School for the Deaf, operated by Al-Amal Charitable Society. She was accompanied by Deputy Minister Mr. Taha Al-Irani, staff from the Ministry and the Qalqilya Directorate, and representatives of the security sector.

During her visit, Dr. Hamad officially launched the camp’s activities. Society President Mr. Mohammad Nazzal and Director General Mr. Waleed Nazzal presented an overview of the school’s educational and rehabilitation programs for the deaf, highlighting challenges such as high illiteracy rates and the need for sustainable support to enhance inclusion.

Dr. Hamad praised the association's efforts, stressing that community initiatives are the foundation of Palestinian social resilience. She called for cultivating a spirit of initiative among youth as a tool for facing challenges and strengthening social cohesion, commending the students’ ambition to learn skills such as civil defense, sewing, and pursuing higher education.

Mr. Mohammad Nazzal emphasized that the deaf community needs equal opportunities, not sympathy, noting the importance of vocational and first-aid training in integrating students into society. Mr. Waleed Nazzal added that the school, officially opened in 2022, now serves over 300 students and has graduated its first class of high school students, five of whom received full university scholarships from Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie. He also noted the society runs a vocational training center in Nabi Elias village, covering 8 dunams and offering programs in carpentry, aluminum work, sewing, and solar energy. The center has graduated 113 young men and women with hearing disabilities, many of whom are now economically self-reliant.

Dr. Hamad reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to equity and community inclusion, noting that despite financial constraints, the government has managed to pay around 50% of its service procurement obligations and aims to expand beneficiary coverage through a new project proposed to the World Bank. She also emphasized the importance of investing in solar energy to reduce dependency on the occupation.

The tour concluded with a visit to a small business owned by a young woman with a disability, supported under the “Himmam” initiative implemented by the Ministry and funded by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The initiative promotes economic and social independence for persons with disabilities. Dr. Hamad confirmed the Ministry’s continued collaboration with partners to scale up integration and empowerment programs and to advance social justice across all governorates.