The forum showcased interesting projects and future initiatives aimed at the deaf community in the Arab world, especially those in Gaza.

 

Al Jazeera media network in collaboration with Qatar Charity marked the ‘International Week of the Deaf’ yesterday by hosting a forum on “the reality and challenges faced by the deaf community in the Arab World.”

The forum saw special person participants from all over the Arab world.

Al Jazeera premiered its special episode Stronger than Words, telling the story of Gaza’s deaf community, impaired in their everyday lives and especially vulnerable in times of violence, a special group that feels the attacks, rather than hears them.

“This is a really exciting day for Al Jazeera to host a forum and provide a platform completely dedicated to the deaf community in the Arab world,” said Ahmad Alsaqatri, deputy managing director of Al Jazeera News Channel.

Qatar Charity CEO Yousef bin Ahmed al-Kuwari said the organisation’s interest in such events stems from its belief in the necessity of collaboration and integration among organisations concerned in humanitarian affairs related to the deaf community; a matter which is fostered and sponsored by Qatar.

Al-Kuwari emphasised the significance of the partnership with Al Jazeera in raising the awareness on the difficulties and challenges the deaf encounter in the Arab world.

Despite the focus on Gaza, the forum saw a lively discussion between the film’s director, diverse members of the deaf community in the Arab world, as well as representatives from the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and other local and regional NGOs.

The forum also showcased interesting projects and future initiatives aimed at the deaf community in the Arab world, especially those in Gaza struggling to cope in the aftermath of the recent war.

Throughout the week, Al Jazeera Arabic and its online platform (aljazeera.net) will showcase extensive coverage and reports on deaf communities in different Arab countries, focusing on the obstacles and challenges they face in their everyday lives.  

Al Jazeera’ s Media Training and Development Centre will also be offering courses in sign language to both Al Jazeera staff and the public.

 

 

 

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