ACTION AROUND BETHLEHEM CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY

How ABCD spells 'hope'

ABCD works with disabled children and their families in the Greater Bethlehem area and this year we mark our 21st anniversary as a UK registered charity.

Throughout these years we have worked with three partners in Palestine, including BASR (Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation) in Beit Jala, and Bethlehem University. We have:

• Made regular field visits to BASR
• Cemented friendships and sound working relationships with local people, discussing their needs and the best way forward.
• Involved local village committees.
• Instigated and supported the opening of daycare centres.
• Sponsored local young people on physio and occupational therapist training courses - in the UK, then at Bethlehem University - receiving reports on the progress of sponsored students, many of whom worked with BASR.
• Set up an outreach team.

The number of disabled children has not reduced. In fact, the more help there is available, the more children are presented.

Money is needed more than ever. Many parents can no longer contribute towards the needs of their children. The separation wall has almost reached Beit Jala. It already surrounds Bethlehem. Farmers are cut off from their livelihoods. General workers are denied permits to travel. Schools cannot receive all their pupils. The sick and disabled cannot reach traditional sources of medical care. To counter these conditions, BASR has extended its range of services and, as well as being a community based rehabilitation hospital, now has two operating theatres.

ABCD remains responsible for the salaries of staff on the children's team and would like to be in a position to continue to fund individual children, as recommended by our children's services co-ordinator.

ABCD accept any child whatever his or her religion. Please support us by coming to the Evening of Entertainment.

Valerie Baxter, October 2006

2004 article on ABCD

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