Wasla: How did Keef Shaifha tour affect Naji?
Stories- Wasla
Naji Naji- 28 years old
Naji, a young man with a physical disability whose will enabled him to overcome his disability and become the first amputees football player in Palestine. After completing his university studies in business administration, he sought to participate in community activities and advocate for the issues of persons with disabilities, believing in the need to increase awareness of their rights and needs. Naji was always looking for a way to help him activate his role further in the community and express himself. Keef Shaifha has been one of theses opportunities that enabled him to share his views and increase his self-confidence.
Naji’s participation had a noticeable impact. Despite the various community activities in which he participated, he was always hesitant to express his opinion on the discussions that were taking place. But after his experience in this tour, his confidence increased, and it was clear that he was the most interactive participant. The questions he asked at each station were able to reflect his distinguished background and his increased self-confidence.
Naji expressed his experience on the tour, saying: “ “ Keef Shaifha” tour made me see the value of real inclusion of people with disabilities. This was the first time that I participated in hearing ans accountability sessions with persons with and without disabilities, as I set out with 40 of my colleagues who have leadership skills and a desire for social change to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Local Government, and Careem. We learned about their respective roles in facilitating access Persons with disabilities and adaptation of public transportation.
I always wondered about the role of governmental and non-governmental agencies in facilitating access for persons with disabilities, so this tour came to enable me to get an answer to all my questions. What I enjoyed most about these sessions is that they were not limited to listening, but we also presented a set of recommendations were we strengthened our demands and rights as youth with disabilities, hoping that they will be taken into consideration. ”
Naji added on the impact left by the tour, saying: “This experience has strengthened my confidence and encouraged me to move forward in demanding my right without fear or hesitation, as I developed my style of discussion and dialogue to become more persuasive and bolder unlike before. This experience is considered one of the most beautiful experiences of 2019 for me, which made a real difference in my personality ”
It is noted that Keef Shaifha tour comes within the activities of the Wasla Project, implemented by Social Developmental Forum in partnership with MAP. The project aims to enhance the role of youth in social accountability and increase the active participation of persons with disabilities in demanding their rights as stipulated in international conventions and treaties.