Two activities held in Damascus on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

DAMASCUS, DEC.5, (ST)-On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, two activities were held on Sunday at the Special Education Institute for Rehabilitating the Blind and at the “Somayah Al-Makhzomeyeh” School in the Damascus. 

 

The two activities aim to support  people with disabilities and to increase awareness of the importance of their role as well as to integrate them into the educational process. 

 

The first activity, which was held by the institute in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Al-Nour Association for Relief, included songs, dances and poetry performed by blind students and an exhibition showing works made by the students of the institute.

 

Another exhibition was held at the school of “Somayah Al-Makhzomeyeh” showing the importance of integration in society. 

 

The Minister of Education Darem Tabba’a said in a speech he delivered in the first activity about the need to increase the number of schools that include   People with Disabilities and ensure a good level of education for them. 

 

For his part, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Mohammad Siefeddin said that the ministry works on developing the institute affiliated to it and offering all requirements of training and teaching to  people with special needs to integrate them into society. 

 

Assistant Representative of the UNFPA Omar Ballan  said that the Fund follows the strategy of integrating the people with special needs  at several levels including planning and supporting the institutes that take care of these people and training cadres who are working in this field. 

 

The Special Education Institute for Rehabilitating the Blind contains 160 students and offers educational services to them from stage 1 to 12. 

 

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992  to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. 

 

Basma Qaddour