Overcoming Disability: The Example of Hamza Al Kadi

Being mentally disabled did not prevent Hamza Al Kadi, a young man from Hebron (Southern West Bank) from living a normal life, finding a place in society as well as a job. After spending years at PRCS’ Al Raja Rehabilitation Center in Hebron, where he received theoretical knowledge and practical skills in many fields including agriculture and candle-making, he went on to work at a car-wash and garage in the center of Hebron.

Despite suffering from both a speech and a physical disability, Hamza succeeded in securing himself a place in people’s hearts, thanks to his perseverance and strong will. He is an excellent worker who spends many hours a day washing cars and hoping to help wash away the misconceptions and prejudices against persons with disabilities.
Little by little, Hamza is learning the ropes of his new job. His relationship with his colleagues and clients is a friendly one, and he is very devoted to his work. According to Mr. Jalal Al Sharabati, owner of the car-wash, “Hamza earns the love and satisfaction of his clients very quickly. He does his job in an excellent manner and fights for his right to work and to live”.

Najwa Al Ja’abari, who works at PRCS’ Rehabilitation Center, said: “When Hamza enrolled at the Center, he had limited skills and capacities. At the Center, he received advanced professional and vocational training in the fields of candle-making and agriculture. However, we felt that he enjoyed an excellent capacity to learn, so we enrolled him in the Selective Employment Program in the local community. That is how he came to work in the car-wash”.

Hamza’s father explained that Hamza started going to the Center at the age of 6 and was given a lot of attention. “He learned to read and write and received professional training. He now sets an example in challenging disabilities. The local community treats him seriously, just like any of his peers”, he said.

PRCS’ Al Raja Center was created in 1985. It provides care to children between the ages of 6 and 18 suffering from mild to moderate mental disabilities with a view to rehabilitating them and turning them into productive and active citizens by ensuring their integration and providing them with job opportunities whether in vocational workshops inside the Center or in local institutions and factories. The Center caters to the needs of 100 disabled students. It employs 24 skilled staff who provide these students with care and with rehabilitation services.