“I don’t feel guilty anymore”
Humanity and Inclusion has launched an inclusive education project in partnership with a local school in Gaza, in the Palestinian Territories. This initiative helps children with disabilities access an education. Mahmoud, who has cerebral palsy, is one of them.
Suha and her son Mahmoud outside the school supported by HI | ©Oriane van den Broeck / HI
HI runs an inclusive education project in a special school in Gaza where teaching methods are adapted to children with disabilities. Their mental health and that of their families are the cornerstones of the project.
Supporting parents
"Mahmoud used to go to a different special school,” explains Suha. “As parents, we didn’t get any support." Now, she says, she can talk to the school psychologist and attends a support group for parents of students with disabilities.
The group has helped Suha overcome her guilt: "It was extremely difficult for me, because people in my neighbourhood and my family held me responsible for what had happened to Mahmoud. The support group has made me stronger. I can talk about my son now without crying. I am no longer ashamed.”
Becoming more independent
Suha attended weekly awareness sessions for parents where she learned how to make her son more self-reliant: "I’ve changed my approach to him.
Mahmoud used to be dependent on me. I learned how to support him, and he does more things for himself. When he was hungry, I used to prepare something. Now, we cook together at home. These everyday changes help both Mahmoud and the rest of the family.”
Progress at school and at home
Each child is personally followed up by the school psychologist. Mahmoud's behaviour has changed completely. He mixes with other children and is much more sociable. He has also made progress in the classroom:
"Mahmoud is more comfortable and, as a result, he is learning more and more. He can now read and write,"
says Suha.
