The Oasis Center was established in Beit Sahour in 1998 in response to the urgent need for a safe place for adults with disabilities. It is an exceptional centre for people with mental disabilities because of the high-quality services that it provides under the umbrella of the Health and Work Committee (HWC), a Palestinian non-governmental health and development organization.
The Oasis workshop provides opportunities for adults with mental disabilities to engage in productive activities and contribute positively to Palestinian society. Twenty-four intellectually disabled adults, both male and female, are engaged in paper recycling, ceramic and candle production, recycling baskets, and creating art with sand. They come from various villages and refugee camps from the Bethlehem area.
The Centre caters to the needs and capacities of all its beneficiaries, and provides them with continuous physical and mental health support throughout their time there. The workshop focuses on developing skills and tools to engage the beneficiaries and empower them to produce handicrafts that are sold locally and internationally. The Centre provides transportation to the workshop on a daily basis and also offers the beneficiaries pocket money in recognition of their artistic work and efforts. This has given the group an invaluable boost to their self-esteem, allowing them to be productive, appreciated, and responsible. The latest development is the purchase of a laser printer, which is used by the group to produce different wood products.
The Centre focuses on the use of natural and recycled materials to produce authentic and special gifts and souvenirs that are sold through Sunbula and ’Handmade Palestine’ Shop as well as by order (wedding cards, occasional greeting cards, candles, etc.). Unfortunately, this great project is currently struggling to stay afloat. Lousi Jubran, the assistant manager, hopes that developing an interactive website will help in spreading awareness about the centre’s important work and to help it receive more online orders. Do consider supporting their work the next time you need to buy a gift.
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Product Selling Points: On location
Other Services: Hosting groups
Volunteering Opportunities: Volunteers welcome!