Minister of Social Development Visits Charitable Associations to Review Services and Support Vulnerable Groups

Nablus – As part of her field tour to strengthen partnerships with charitable associations and civil society, Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamd, accompanied by Deputy Minister Taha Al-Irani and a delegation from the Ministry and the Directorate, visited several associations in Nablus Governorate. She was received by the heads and management of each association, who presented their programs and the services provided to beneficiary groups.

At one association, Chairwoman Dina Al-Johari and members of the administrative board welcomed the Minister and presented the association’s programs for children with special needs, including children with autism, Down syndrome, and speech and behavioral disorders. The Minister reviewed the services offered, such as occupational, psychological, and behavioral therapy, art therapy, physiotherapy, special education, and physical education. She also observed the work mechanisms of specialists in sensory rooms and learned about an existing agreement to purchase services for 20 children, providing 18 sessions per month for each child, noting challenges related to delays in payment of dues.

In the same context, Dr. Hamd visited the Women’s Union Association, where she was welcomed by the association’s Director General, Ezzat Rayan, Chairwoman Ahood Ya’eesh, and the Director of the Union Hospital, Majed Abu Jeesh. She was briefed on the diverse services provided by the association in the social, health, educational, and vocational fields, which include caring for orphans and visually impaired women, the Women’s Union Hospital, the Hajjah Andaleeb Al-Amad College of Nursing and Midwifery, and rehabilitation and vocational training centers such as Karama Center and Maryam Hashem Culinary Arts Center. The visit also included a tour of the main headquarters and affiliated institutions, with hospitality provided by the Maryam Hashem Center. Discussions were held on the association’s community role in offering free services to orphaned girls referred by the Ministry of Social Development.

During her tour, the Minister stressed the importance of cooperation between the Ministry and charitable associations to ensure that services and care reach the most vulnerable groups. She praised the vital role of these associations in providing rehabilitation programs and social support, affirming that partnerships with civil society are an essential element in strengthening the resilience of families and target groups across the Palestinian governorates.