Sheltered Workshop at Princess Basma Centre

   The Princess Basma Centre was established in 1965 as a home for children with physical disabilities, mainly those suffering from Polio. Historically, it has worked on community-based rehabilitation and the integration and empowerment of children with disabilities and their families in their communities. The centre does this through various programs such as their physical rehabilitation, inclusive education, the development and dissemination of best practices, and influencing policy and legislation programs.

   The Princess Basma Centre for Children with Disabilities has a small handicrafts workshop known as “The Sheltered Workshop” that serves with physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities from Jerusalem and its surroundings. People with disabilities who are referred from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the Centre’s sheltered workshop are trained in various skills and work in a safe environment.

   The aim of this program is to provide avenues for capacity building and job creation for people with disabilities that will help them gradually become independent and integrated in the community. A personalized vocational training program is prepared for each participant, based on their disability, functioning level, needs, and interests.

   The 22 people with disabilities currently employed at the Sheltered Workshop carry out different activities, such as carpet making, knitting seagrass products (such as baskets), crafting traditional coffee stools, as well as painting and packaging. In addition to work, the participants also enjoy daily meals, social activities, holiday celebrations, and recreational trips. The revenue from the sale of the workshop products, such as ceramic trays, coffee tables and seagrass furniture goes to cover the cost of rehabilitation for children with disabilities at the Centre.