Al Fakhoora, a programme of Education Above All, founded by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, yesterday participated in Qatar Charity and Al Jazeera’s forum, raising awareness about the reality and the challenges facing the deaf community in the Middle East.  

Taking Gaza as an example, the forum saw numerous sessions showcasing the work of NGOs in Gaza through film, photography, presentations and panel discussions.

Al Fakhoora was invited to present its current work and future initiatives in Gaza to help support the deaf community. Dalia Maarouf, advocacy officer of Al Fakhoora, presented during the fourth session - the “Future Initiatives” - which focused on youth in Gaza through creativity, collaboration and effective partnerships.  

Farooq Burney, director of Al Fakhoora, said: “We are delighted to participate in this event, raising awareness about the deaf community. Al Fakhoora’s work includes a focus around the importance of skilling up students through real life learning activities, and we hope to encourage this forum’s attendees to think creatively about opportunities and partnerships to further support the deaf community in Gaza and in the Middle East.”

The opening session showcased work and activities in Gaza for the deaf community, while the second presented the reality and the challenges facing the deaf community in the Middle East. The third session explained the present situation of the deaf community in Gaza and the fourth session introduced future initiatives in order to benefit the deaf community in Gaza.

Founded in the aftermath of the 2008-2009 war, Al Fakhoora, named after a UN school that was the scene of an attack that took the lives of 43 people, was launched as a student-led campaign advocating for protection of education and the end of the blockade in Gaza. Its comprehensive approach focuses on empowering Gaza’s youth with narrative rather than arms, and provides opportunities to continue their studies.

 

 

 

 

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