Promoting the social inclusion of vulnerable people, particularly in the difficult socioeconomic conditions experienced by the communities of Yatta, Samou and Idhna in the West Bank, is a demanding challenge. Political instability and restrictions on movement across the Hebron governorate make this work even more complex. Existing local facilities are essential points of reference, but need more highly trained staff, suitable equipment and stronger cooperation networks.
Over recent years, the joint commitment of the Municipality of Quartu Sant’Elena, SpazioAcca APS and Focus Europe ETS has supported several initiatives to strengthen social, educational and rehabilitation services in these municipalities. The current action forms part of “Territori Uniti”, a humanitarian and solidarity project co-funded by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia under Regional Law 19/96.
Nine professionals taking part in training in Quartu Sant’Elena
Alongside the purchase of professional equipment and new vehicles, the project places a strong emphasis on people. Specialised professional training for Palestinian women working in social care is currently under way in Quartu Sant’Elena. Nine professionals — three from each centre — are taking part in workshops and training on assistance and care methods from 27 October to 7 November. The knowledge and skills being developed and shared in Sardinia will subsequently be put into practice in their home communities.
The value of this cooperation extends beyond material support: it also creates opportunities to share knowledge and approaches, strengthening the capabilities of the territories involved.
Mobility and access to services for children with disabilities
The project’s main aim is to tackle the marginalisation of Palestinian children with motor impairments and disabilities. It seeks to improve access to care services by addressing a major barrier: difficult journeys caused by dispersed rural settlements and the lack of accessible public transport.
At the opening of the ongoing training workshops, the Mayor of Quartu Sant’Elena, Graziano Milia, reiterated the importance of recognising young people’s fundamental right to mobility as part of the effort to build a fairer world.
Just over a month ago, the first of the three minivans planned under the project was purchased and delivered. It will support a transport service with scheduled routes and timetables, connecting the Idhna centre with dozens of children and young people aged 4–17 and their families, including those living in outlying areas.
The professional training programme and the new transport service are designed to support long-term sustainability. They encourage ongoing exchanges of experience between the communities and help strengthen the capacity of local administrations to enable children with disabilities to participate fully in social life.
The partnership and the role of Focus Europe ETS
The partnership brings together complementary responsibilities. The Municipality of Quartu Sant’Elena leads and coordinates the project; SpazioAcca develops the training content; and the municipalities of Yatta, Samou and Idhna implement the actions and manage local resources. Within this network, Focus Europe ETS manages relations with the international partnership and provides administrative and management support to the lead municipality. Giuseppe Cappai, President of Focus Europe ETS, expressed his satisfaction with the results taking shape and his strong commitment to this cooperation programme:
“I am particularly happy and proud to see a project that means a great deal to me become a reality, also because I experienced first-hand the extraordinary impact of the work carried out in the three centres for people with disabilities in Samou, Idhna and Yatta during my field visit in 2022. One of the distinctive features of Territori Uniti is the purchase of three minibuses dedicated to transporting people with disabilities, one for each of the Palestinian cities involved. These essential purchases are being made possible through the institutional contribution of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the municipalities involved, as well as the wonderful fundraising campaign organised by SpazioAcca last winter through a series of solidarity initiatives.”
