Report 2022

Our Vision
Young people with disabilities who have the ability to create change, the desire to demand their rights, and the will to engage in society as an integral part of the youth community.

Our Mission
The association aims to support and empower young people with disabilities in Palestinian society by building their diverse capacities, enabling them to advocate for their rights, and strengthening their role in advancing the reality of youth with disabilities. It also seeks to enhance their participation in decision-making and drive positive change in their Palestinian community.

About the Association
Bihimmetkum Association for Youth with Disabilities is a youth-led organization that emerged from the first youth conference for persons with disabilities, “I Am Part”, held in Ramallah in 2017. The conference saw the active participation of 172 individuals with disabilities (93 females and 79 males) as part of the “Bihimmetkum” project, implemented by the Palestinian Vision Organization with the support of Diakonia (NAD).

Main Objectives of the Association:

1. Raising societal awareness about the issues and rights of young people with disabilities.
2. Increasing the community participation of young people with disabilities and enhancing their role in decision-making.
3. Promoting the values of freedom of expression, tolerance, peace, social responsibility, and social cohesion.
4. Contributing to the development of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities and enabling them to participate in building a democratic society that respects diversity and human rights.
5. Empowering people with disabilities and mobilizing their energy to achieve the goals and priorities of the disability movement.

Implementation Mechanism of the Objectives:

1. Raising awareness through educational workshops on the rights and issues of people with disabilities via the association’s Facebook page and partner organizations’ pages.
2. Increasing youth participation by involving young people with disabilities in seminars and workshops organized by the association and its partners.
3. Creating a space for freedom of expression through workshops and training sessions held in person or broadcast live on Facebook.
4. Developing the skills of young people with disabilities through training in communication, presentation, leadership, and institutional engagement.
5. Empowering people with disabilities by leading advocacy and lobbying campaigns that demand their rights and promote their integration into society.

Challenges Faced by the Association:

• Lack of financial resources to secure a permanent headquarters for the association.

Solution Approach:
Bihimmetkum Association has an ongoing partnership with the Palestinian Vision Organization, which has hosted the association at its headquarters in Ramallah.

Funding Entities:

1. Palestinian Vision Organization
2. Diakonia/NAD
3. German International Cooperation (GIZ)
4. The Coalition for Integrity and Accountability (AMAN)
5. YWCA – Young Women’s Christian Association
6. Ruya Fund

Partners:

1. German International Cooperation (GIZ)
2. Palestinian Vision Organization
3. Qader for Community Development
4. YWCA – Young Women’s Christian Association
5. Radio Minbar Al-Hurriya
6. The Coalition for Integrity and Accountability (AMAN)
7. Ruya Fund

Activities Conducted by the Association in the Previous Year:

1. “Nagham wa Himam” Project: Conducted 10 emotional release sessions focusing on sports, music, and arts for a group of young men and women in the Jerusalem outskirts.
2. Knowledge Exchange Workshop: Held between visually impaired individuals and staff members at the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem.
3. Digital Initiative “Supporting Children and Youth with Disabilities in the Palestinian Territories”: Organized three online discussion sessions via Zoom, designed and published five electronic posters, and produced an awareness video.
4. “Youth Platforms” Project: Participated in this initiative to integrate young people with disabilities with their non-disabled peers.

Association Branches: