Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA – Under the patronage of Mrs. Asma al-Assad, the Syrian Organization for the Disabled (AAMAL) held a festivity marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities during which it announced its new name to become the “Syrian Organization for Persons with Disabilities” (AAMAL).
The festivity, held at the organization’s headquarters, screened a short film entitled “a decade of hopes that became true”, a theatrical show for children with different types of disabilities, an honoring ceremony for graduates and a photo exhibition.
Mrs. Asma al-Assad said that the organization has provided services to more than 46 thousand persons, the majority of them were children, including 30 thousand individuals during the years of current war, adding that more than 160 Master’s degree students benefited from the AAMAL-sponsored academic education programs , graduated and became qualified to train others with disabilities in different Syrian areas.
“We are here to celebrate ten years of achievements and hopes which have come true. This is an opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved and at the same time to look forward, achieve more successes and build a more promising future,” Mrs. Asma added.
She went on to say “the war imposed on Syria is a bad and ugly thing just like all wars, even though, we were determined to learn, work and develop. Thus, we proved our ability to shoulder the responsibility and overcome all challenges we are confronting,” she stated.
Mrs. Asma al-Assad said that during the years of war, there were children and families who got injured at homes, schools or workplaces to become disabled. The most important person is the injured soldier of the Syrian Arab army and the support forces due to the bravery and heroism he shows in defending the country despite the losses he might suffer.
She indicated that if we bear huge responsibilities towards citizens with disabilities, to which we are always committed, we have bigger responsibilities towards the injured soldiers who sacrificed themselves for the sake of the homeland.
Mrs. Asma Al-Assad appreciated the efforts of all who participated from the very beginning, teachers and supervisors and everyone who joined the organization’s efforts with special thanks to the families of persons with disabilities, particularly their mothers who refused to give up.
For his part, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AAMAL, Ali Turkmani, stressed the organization’s determination to move forward with improving the lives of people with disabilities, highlighting its work and efforts to qualify cadres and establish services and training centers, not to mention developing relevant legislations and forming the central council for disability affairs.
He noted that such success cannot be achieved without the direct support and supervision of Mrs. Asma al-Assad.
Throughout 10 years, 26617children, 2550 families, 168 students and 97 bodies specialized in disability affairs benefited from AAMAL services.
R.Raslan/Mazen
