The Opening Ceremony of Yatta Community Center

QADER  for Community Development, Yatta municipality and Palestinian Municipalities Support Program have celebrated the opening ceremony of Yatta municipality community center. It was held in the presence of Dr. Salam Fayyad, and the Governor of Hebron, Mr. Kamel Hamid, Minister of Local Government, Dr Khalid Qawasmi, and the Consul General of the Consulate General of Italy, Mr. Giampaolo Cantini, representatives of public and private organizations and dignitaries of city of Yatta.

Mr. Zahran Abu Qbitah welcomed the attendees.  He presented  the community’s center work which serves a lot of PwD’s in the city of Yatta. He also pointed out that the center has been established in partnership with QADER and funded by Palestinian Municipalities Support Program through the Ministry of Local Government. He also showed gratitude to the Italian government for their necessary funding.

This center provides  a various  social and rehabilitation services for PwD. It includes several departments consisted of the Methodology MOVE department (Movement for Learning and Life) which is for multiple and severe disabilities, special education department for children with mental retardation, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and psychological support as well as social activities and different community based programs.

For her part, Ms. Lana Bandak stressed out the importance of cooperation between the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Social Affairs and the Municipality of Yatta to provide services to the most marginalized group, especially PwD’s. She also praised the role of the Palestinian Municipalities Support Program and their tireless efforts to strengthen the capacity of municipalities which in turn will assist in providing better services to citizens.

Mr. Kamel Hmid thanked the Italian government that funded the construction of Yatta Municipality community center. He  praised the role of the Palestinian government and its commitment to support and develop the municipalities.

On the other hand, Mr. Giampaolo Cantini assured the success that has been accomplished in applying the PMSP strategy which served the Palestinian municipalities and the social sector in providing social services for PwD  through these centers in a number of Palestinian cities and towns.

In conclusion, Dr. Salam Fayyad transferred the greetings of the President to the people of Yatta.  He gratified  the role of mayor and municipality members for their ongoing work to build the institutions of Yatta. He also stressed the role of the Italian government and its support for the Palestinian people. He also invited them to straighten and push the peace process in the European Union. In addition he encouraged them to direct the political effort to find a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause