 International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) is implementing project “Rehabilitation of Gaza children” in cooperation with the University Rehabilitation Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (URI Soča) that includes physical and mental rehabilitation of children/victims of conflict from Gaza and local/national capacity building in the field of rehabilitation.On 21st October 2011 was organized a closing event for eighth group of children from Gaza who came on rehabilitation treatment at URI Soča. A group of 10 children and two physiotherapists, who arrived at URI Soča for on-the-job training, arrived to Slovenia on 28 September 2011 and stayed here until 23 October 2011.
Closing event was organized by ITF, URI Soča and volunteers who take care for children after everyday rehabilitation treatment. The event was attended by representatives of number of donors supporting the project (Airport Ljubljana, Atlas d.o.o. Celje, Red Noses, Circus Safari, Institute of Ljubljana Castle), Her Excellency Ms. Heba Sidhom, Ambassador of the Embassy of Egypt and representatives from URI Soča, ITF and volunteers.
 Project “Rehabilitation of Gaza children” is being implemented under the initiative of the President of Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Danilo Türk and was launched in the end of January 2009. Thus far, 90 children from Gaza were rehabilitated and 15 physiotherapists received training at URI Soča. Beside Slovenian government the project is also supported by Mr. Amre Moussa (Arab League Secretary General), Capt. Mohammad Al-Khashman (Jordan Aviation Group), Czech Republic, Korea, Qatar, Rotary Club Portorož, Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), United States of America, Petrol, Airport Ljubljana, Opec Fund for International Development (OFID), Principality of Monaco and the Danilo Türk Foundation “Pustimo jim sanje”.
The arrival of ninth group of children from Gaza on rehabilitation to Slovenia (URI Soča) is planned for spring 2012. |