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Celebrating Children with Autism and Special Needs

grid photo of alumni face painting kids

April is Autism Awareness Month, and in honor of this day, YES alumni from the West Bank planned an open-day event at Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center near Berzeit, Ramallah. The activity was planned by steering committee member Ahmed Touqan, YES 2010-2011. 

Six alumni joined Ahmed to help spread joy amongst a diverse group of kids with special needs. The activities included face painting, water-balloon games, bowling, tug of war, target games, coloring, dancing and more. Three of the volunteers dressed as clowns to keep a smile on the kids faces throughout the day. 

Not only did the kids diagnosed with autism join in the fun, but so did over 150 others with special needs.The alumni were touched by the activities, as well. Alumna Reem Sharha, YES 2007-2008 posted on her Facebook page: 

“Today's activity was different. It made me feel different. The kids in the photo are deaf and mute. The only way to communicate with them was through sign language. However, they were happy and smiling the whole time. Whenever I looked at them, they were fitting all together, understanding each other, and having a connection ...”

This event was an amazing success that made the alumni very proud.


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