In March 2015, the Za’atari camp Age and Disability Task Force organized the first inter-agency inclusive event to raise awareness among the community in the camp of services and activities available to persons with disabilities, to promote the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, and creating a day of activities that are inclusive and enjoyable. In June, the second “Kullona”

[all of us, in Arabic] event took place in two venues. Yesterday, on 30th September, the 3rd Kullona event took place in Save the Children’s site in one of the more remote and least-served areas of the camp.

FPSC took a leading role in the coordination of this inter-agency event involving 12 different organizations and 2 community-run committees (the Syrian Youth Committee and the Syria Tomorrow Theatre Troupe). Open to men, women and children of all ages but targeting especially the elderly and persons with any impairment that might normally impede their access to and participation in activities across the camp, the site welcomed nearly 200 people to join the various activities. These included face-painting and games for children; theatre, music and team games for youth; theatre and henna for young and adult women; skills games for men; and music, storytelling and Arabic coffee in a traditional diwan for the elderly. In the afternoon, young men from Finn Church Aid circus group performed a stunning circus show, followed by a full theatre performance from the Syria Tomorrow Theatre Troupe, an inclusive theatre group that FPSC supported in its establishment at the beginning of 2015.

It was a day that was full and lively involving so many organizations, their staff, volunteers and community members. Especially the mothers and fathers of some of the children and youth present stated how appreciative they were of the chance for their children to enjoy a change of scene, one full of other people their own age and activities in which they could be involved.

Vicente Ortega and Marta Fernández from AECID also graciously accepted the invitation to join us in support of the event, visiting each of the activities, meeting and talking with the participants and volunteers and being enthusiastically encouraged to join the debka dancing.

The next Kullona event will be planned for December in another area of the camp where we have not yet done this inclusion event.