Empowering Children Through Comprehensive Care
Nestled on the historic Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC) has been a symbol of hope and transformation since 1964. Dedicated to enhancing the lives of Palestinian children with disabilities, JPBC provides a holistic approach through comprehensive rehabilitation services and inclusive education. The Centre prioritizes active communication and collaboration with partners and families to drive meaningful change. Their vision is a future where every Palestinian child with a disability has access to quality healthcare, inclusive education, and the opportunity to fully engage in society.
A Legacy of Compassionate Care and Empowerment
For over fifty years, the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre has been a pioneer in delivering specialized care to children with disabilities in Palestine. The Centre's holistic methodology not only addresses the physical needs of the children but also nurtures their emotional and social well-being, creating a nurturing environment where they can flourish.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services
At the heart of JPBC lies the Child Rehabilitation Centre, offering a diverse array of therapies tailored to the unique needs of each child. These services include:
- Physiotherapy (PT): Enhancing mobility, strength, and coordination.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Developing essential skills for daily living and independence.
- Speech and Language Therapy: Improving communication and language abilities.
- Hydrotherapy: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of water to promote healing and relaxation.
- Music Therapy: Harnessing the power of music to enhance emotional expression and cognitive function.
- Psychosocial Support: Providing emotional support and counseling to children and their families.
Inclusive Education for a Brighter Future
The JPBC's inclusive school serves as a unique model, integrating children with and without disabilities in a supportive learning environment. With an enrollment of approximately 450 students, the school offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade, fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding. A third of the students are children with disabilities, many of whom also benefit from the Centre's rehabilitation services.
Key Features of the Inclusive School:
- Integrated Classrooms: Creating opportunities for children with and without disabilities to learn and grow together.
- Specialized Support: Providing individualized attention and resources to meet the diverse needs of all students.
- Student Therapy Program: Offering rehabilitation services as part of the school curriculum.
- Focus on Success: Empowering students to achieve their full potential and prepare for a brighter future.
Empowering Mothers and Families
Understanding the pivotal role of families in the rehabilitation journey, JPBC offers a Mother and Family Empowerment Program. This initiative equips mothers with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to care for their children and advocate for their rights.
Key Components of the Empowerment Program:
- Education and Training: Providing mothers with information on disability, child development, and parenting skills.
- Support Groups: Creating a safe space for mothers to share their experiences and connect with others.
- Advocacy Training: Empowering mothers to advocate for their children's rights and access to services.
Reaching Out to the Community
JPBC's Outreach Program extends its impact beyond the Centre, reaching communities across Palestine. This program offers education, training, and support to families, schools, and healthcare providers, promoting inclusion and enhancing access to services for children with disabilities.
Impact
The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre's initiatives have a profound and enduring impact on the lives of Palestinian children with disabilities and their families.
- Enhanced quality of life for children with disabilities.
- Increased access to education and healthcare services.
- Empowered families to advocate for their children's rights.
- Promoted inclusion and acceptance within the community.
- Fostered a brighter future for Palestinian children with disabilities.