The First of its Kind in Palestine: A Civil Defense Course for Persons with Special Needs

(Al Bireh-5/2/2012): The Civil Defense Directorate and PRCS inaugurated a Civil Defense Course at PRCS’ Headquarters in Al Bireh targeting pupils at PRCS’ Total Communication School. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Governor of Ramallah and Al Bireh Dr. Layla Ghannam, the Director General of the Civil Defense Major General Ahmad Rizq, PRCS President Dr. Younis Al Khatib and several PRCS Directors, hearing-impaired pupils and their teachers.

In her opening speech, Dr. Ghannam lauded PRCS interventions and activities throughout the Palestinian national struggle in both Palestine and the Diaspora, which have positively impacted the development and building of the Palestinian society. She underlined the importance of this course which is the first such course to target persons with special needs who are steadfast and keen on improving themselves and achieving success. She also praised the role played by PRCS and its Total Communication School in working with hearing impaired pupils and persons with special needs.

Major General Rizq described this course as unique because it conveys a joint message from both PRCS and the Civil Defense to the Palestinian society stating that persons with special needs are not weak people: they are an active part of society and can help protect their fellow citizens. “This course will enable pupils with special needs to cope with any disaster and to play a role in protecting their community and environment. Other courses will certainly follow. The choice of PRCS’ Total Communication School to host this course is very symbolic indeed”, he added.

Dr. Al Khatib renewed PRCS support to persons with special needs who are given top priority throughout PRCS interventions and activities. Hearing impaired pupils who study at the Total Communication School are another priority. PRCS shall seize every opportunity to develop the skills and capacities of persons with special needs, as well as its hearing-impaired pupils”, he said. Dr. Al Khatib also lauded the continuous cooperation between PRCS and the Civil Defense, as well as the great developments witnessed by this very important national institution.