Al Basma Special Rehabilitation Centre is a place where young adults with learning disabilities can go during the day for training in valuable life and work skills. The centre is in Beit Sahour, just East of Bethlehem in an area renowned for its olive wood carving.
The centre was founded in 1987 and served just 5 clients when it first opened. Since that time it has grown considerably and now serves 36 young adults aged from 12 years old and up. At the centre clients spend every morning manufacturing products for sale. They make recycled paper, compress paper blocks for heating and weave rugs.
Clients at the centre work during the morning to produce the craft products sold in the centre gift shop. Making these products gives the clients work experience and the opportunity to contribute to the running of their organisation. The centre produces hand-made paper and woven rugs.
Basma Giacaman
Director of Albasma Center For people with disabilities