Gaza city- Vocational training courses were concluded by IRADA program. The courses were held as a first phase of project funded by Human AppeInternational- UK. The project entitled “enhancing the employment opportunity of people with disability” targeted 85 people with disability. The trainees were trained in carpentry, furniture painting, woodcarving, furniture upholstery, bookbinding, and aluminum products manufacturing.

The training had a positive impact on the beneficiaries; it contributed in raising their self-confidence, developing their practical skills, and enhancing their social relationships. On the other hands, the trainees with disability succeeded and proved that they can and want to be productive persons have an active role in the society.

Wajdi Abu Tim, one of the graduates who suffers from short shattered bones in his left foot after an accident causing him motor impairment. He attended carpentry training. Wajdi said: “I joined Irada program to learn a profession that qualify me to work and get me out of my suffering- selling carob Juice on a cart. I trained in the carpentry workshop, and I got to know the timber types, machinery and how they used them, and I learned manufacturing furniture with its various types such as cabinets, beds, tables and others.” Happiness seemed clearly on his face and a seriously completed his speech: “Every time I complete a piece, I feel happy and joyous and have more self-confidence.”

About his experience in Irada program of Mohammed Allolahi said: “I trained in the field of painting furniture, made friendships and improved my social relationships. It has become my new family who share my disability, joy and my sorrow. This family gave me a helping hand and supported me when everyone else abandoned me.”

 Rajaa Hamad said “When I heard about Irada program, I applied for the program and was accepted. I felt happy and trained in carving wood workshop, I learned how to make wooden trays, chocolates boxes, ashtrays and wooden frames for mirrors, and finishing embroidery gifts.”

Wajdi, Mohamed, Rajaa and others people with disability were able to change the negative perception of the productivity of persons with disabilities, and proved that they are able to work have an active role in the community once they have a supporting environment that helps them to access to their right to education, rehabilitation and employment.