Historic Background:
PRCS’ Jenin Branch was created in 1942 at the initiative of its future chairwoman, Mrs. Farida Irsheid. It started as a Women’s Society, and became a full-fledged association in 1956. It was the first such association in Jenin Governorate and was originally operated out of rented offices, before finally moving to its current premises.
PRCS’ Jenin Branch is one of the largest institutions in Jenin Governorate. It was created to fulfill a number of humanitarian and social goals, in line with the Society’s humanitarian mission.
The branch carries out several important activities and comprises the following programs and centers:
Nursery: 100-150 children aged between one month and two years are enrolled in the branch’s nursery which was inaugurated in 1974. Some children from disadvantaged families are enrolled free-of-charge. The nursery is run by qualified teachers providing care and modern education in a pedagogical context.
Kindergarten: Established in 1956, it caters to the needs of 120-200 children, some of them enrolled free-of-charge. The kindergarten operates a school bus. Modern education is provided by highly efficient, professional and experienced teachers holding university degrees in child education.
Girls’ Rehabilitation Center: Created in 1956, the Center provides rehabilitation and vocational training to more than 120 young women in order to build their self-reliance, help provide for their families and find jobs. At the end of each training course, participants receive an accredited diploma. Many young women have already graduated from the Center and found jobs in the city as well as in nearby villages. The Center comprises the following sections: Hairdressing, Beauty and Make-up Section, Dressmaking, Sewing and Embroidery Section, Knitting and Weaving Section, and Computer section.
Volunteers’ Program: The Department was created in line with two important principles promoted by PRCS: volunteerism and unleashing young people’s potential. 200 volunteers take part in various health and social activities including medical days, Fist-Aid courses, and open days for children, the elderly and persons with special needs as well as educational and cultural activities.
Emergency Medical Services Center: Established in 1982, this was the first EMS Center operating in Jenin Governorate. The Center plays a major role during emergencies by responding to emergency calls and managing all sub EMS stations in the governorate.
Disaster Management Program: the Program holds several disaster-related courses, events, workshops and awareness-raising activities in schools. Moreover, in preparation for disasters, a sub-warehouse with relief items for 50 families was established.
Psychosocial Support Program: the Program provides social support and counseling to individuals and marginalized groups. It raises awareness about psychological and social health issues and helps limit their impact on the population.
Youths Program: the Program builds the capacities and boosts the mental and physical skills of young people in line with their needs and those of their local communities. It implements several programs and activities to rehabilitate young leaders and provide them with life, managerial and social skills.
Rehabilitation and Capacity Development Program: the Program provides rehabilitation and capacity development services to persons with special needs by ensuring their integration in their local communities and the provision of therapeutic rehabilitation services via the Home Enrichment Program.
Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities·: It comprises the following sections:
·occupational therapy section;
·physiotherapy section;
· health education and awareness-raising section for persons with disabilities and their families;
· a psychologist
All these services are provided by a specialized team. The Center has so far treated 500 children and persons with special needs. It was highly welcomed in Jenin Governorate where it is much needed.