Leila’s unique ability shines through in Palestine

In March 2017, a group of our supporters visited Palestine, where 2017 Alumni Honoree Dr. Jumana Odeh and The Palestinian Happy Child Centre provide treatment and care for children with disabilities. Watch the video below to meet Leila, one of the children our supporters met on their trip.

Leila is a joyful little girl who is loved by everyone she meets. She has many talents, including dancing like a rock star, counting from one to ten in English, and giving amazing hugs. Her warmth and enthusiasm for others shines through to her family, classmates, teachers, and friends. On our visit, her teacher proudly told us that Leila is everyone’s favorite. Leila is unique in other ways. She has Down syndrome, which occurs in just one in every 1,000 babies born every year. She was also born in Palestine, where children with special needs often face discrimination and limited access to specialized services. Children like Leila often have a hard time getting an education, receiving health care, or having opportunities later in life.

2017 Alumni Honoree Dr. Jumana Odeh founded the Palestinian Happy Child Centre (PHCC) in 1994 to make sure children like Leila receive the care they need. The PHCC not only provides therapy and specialized care for children, but also supports parents and educates the larger community about disabilities. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Odeh and the PHCC have provided comprehensive services to approximately 38,000 children and families in Palestine. Leila is one of those children. Thanks to the PHCC, she receives the specialized education, therapy, and medical services that she needs to thrive. Every day, she is surrounded by people who love her, just the way she is.

Celebrate the work of Dr. Jumana Odeh at the 2017 World of Children Hero Awards in Los Angeles, coming up on April 19!

One Woman’s Mission to Care For Children with Disabilities in Palestine

This week, a group of our supporters are visiting two World of Children Honorees in Israel and Palestine to see firsthand how our generous donors have unlocked the future for children. Today, they arrived at their second stop: Palestine, where 2008 Honoree Dr. Jumana Odeh and The Palestinian Happy Child Centre provide treatment and care for children with disabilities.

The Problem

Approximately 93 million children around the world have a disability. Many of these children are not given the same opportunities as their peers. They are less likely to attend school, receive medical care, or have their voices heard (UNICEF). In places like Palestine, parents who have a child with a disability are often not given the support they need to care for their child. Talking about a child’s disability is taboo, so families are hard pressed to find treatment, education and other support services.

The Solutions

2008 World of Children Health Honoree Dr. Jumana Odeh has spent her career helping Palestinian children with disabilities. She founded The Palestinian Happy Child Centre (PHCC) in 1994 to provide treatment and care for children suffering from trauma, neurological disorders, and learning and developmental disabilities. “The fundamental principle guiding the PHCC is the conviction that every child has the right to education, healthcare, protection, and wellbeing throughout their life,” Dr. Odeh said. The Centre provides early screenings, diagnoses, specialized care, and therapy. However, equally important is PHCC’s education and support for parents, teachers, and other caregivers; this not only ensures that children can receive the care they need at home and in school, but also helps break down cultural stigmas. “To date the PHCC model has improved the standing of children with special needs in Palestine,” Dr. Odeh said, “but the real challenge lies in changing attitudes and beliefs in the mosques, churches and politics, a significant undertaking in a society where stigma is paramount.” Today, Dr. Odeh continues to unlock the future for children with disabilities, providing the specialized care they need to thrive.

Stay Tuned!

Tomorrow, we’ll share more inspiring stories from Palestine. Stay tuned to meet children whose lives have been transformed by your support!