The ceremony marked the end of a three year programme, in which 170 deaf and marginalized young people have taken part in a total of 17 product-oriented vocational training and employment courses. The European Union provided 750,000 Euros for this programme, over half of the total budget.

The project has helped to provide deaf and marginalized youth with competitive employment opportunities through providing skills training in a number of crafts. The training courses, which were designed and certified by Al-Aqsa University, focused on cooking and baking, woodwork, sewing, embroidery, pottery and ceramics production. So far, Atfaluna has helped 67 graduates from the vocational training courses to improve their income through Atfaluna’s job creation and employment programs.

The keynote speeches at today's celebration were delivered by Mr. Sharhabeel Al Zaeem- Chairman of the board in Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children, Dr. Ali Abu Zuhari – Al Aqsa University President, Mr. Hashem Ghazal – trainers' representative, and Mr. Omar El Rantisi –  a graduate of the programme and the trainees' representative.

Mr. Al Zaeem, Atfaluna's board chairman, stated that "I am very proud of the product oriented vocational training and employment training program, which was accomplished even within the difficult circumstances in the Gaza Strip". Mr. Al Zaeem insisted on the importance of the project objectives that aims to improve the quality of life for the deaf and marginalized persons in the Gaza strip. Dr. Ali Abu Zuhari – Al Aqsa University President added that "The Palestinian Universities should play a bigger role towards deaf persons in the Gaza Strip. We really appreciate Atfaluna's work in improving the skills of people who suffer from this condition, in order to enhance their chances in life." Mr. Omar Rantisi talked about his own success story with Atfaluna. Atfaluna offered him holistic cooking and baking training, and helped him to find a full time job in a local café as a sweets baker.

Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children is a non-profit society was established in 1992 in the Gaza Strip. Atfaluna aims to improve the quality of life conditions for the deaf children and adults to reach their full potential by providing quality education, health care, social services, and work opportunities.

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