Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children

As the only institution in Gaza dedicated solely to meeting the needs of deaf children, the Atfaluna Society has its hands full, dealing with a greater than normal number of beneficiaries while also coping with power cuts, shortage of medicines, lack of access to essential items such as batteries for hearing aids, and the lingering sense of danger felt by children who cannot hear or understand the conflict around them.

Atfaluna (which means “Our children” in Arabic) works closely with each child and his/her family by helping deaf and hard-of-hearing children realize their right to academic education and vocational training, and also by providing complementary services such as audiology and health care, counseling, social assistance, and eventual job placement.

The Atfaluna Society, which was established in May 1992, is directed by Ms. Geraldine Shawa, and is administered by a local board of directors, including both staff and voluntary members. It employs 45 persons, including 6 deaf teachers, and 15 volunteers, and presently has 252 students enrolled from kindergarten through the 9th grade.

ANERA assistance is provided through an ongoing sponsorship program as well as a series of special projects. Atfaluna has recently become a partner in ANERA’s Milk for Preschoolers program, through the provision of hearing screening for preschoolers in beneficiary institutions.

Please visit Atfaluna's website to learn more about their amazing work.