Bani Mustafa: A Firm National Commitment to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities… and the Child Welfare Association is a Distinguished Volunteer Model in the Field of Services Provided to Persons with Disabilities*
Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa praised the outstanding efforts of the Child Welfare Association in serving persons with disabilities during a celebration organized by the association to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event was held in the Al-Sa'idiyah area of the North Eastern Badia District in the Mafraq Governorate, and was attended by a number of governorate officials and representatives of charitable associations and civil society organizations.
In her address at the celebration, Bani Mustafa emphasized that the partnership between the Ministry, the voluntary sector, and civil society organizations forms a fundamental pillar in the programs offered to persons with disabilities and in developing services provided to this group. She noted that the Child Welfare Association is one of the most prominent associations in the Kingdom due to the high-quality and supportive programs it provides.
The Minister stated that the slogan chosen by the Ministry for this year, “Your Place is Among Us,” reflects the government’s commitment to establishing the concept of inclusion and empowering persons with disabilities to exercise their rights and live with dignity and independence within their families and communities.
She explained that the Ministry of Social Development has worked over the past years to expand its services to include early intervention, inclusive day services, and support for independent living, in accordance with the 2017 Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and relevant international standards. She emphasized the continued close cooperation with the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the efforts it is undertaking under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Raad in this field.
Bani Mustafa also highlighted the importance of the Amman-Berlin Declaration issued at the Third World Summit of Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with the Federal Government of Germany. The summit, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, concluded with a declaration committing to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities at both the national and international levels.
The Minister concluded by affirming that persons with disabilities possess the capacity for creativity and achievement when provided with a supportive environment and equal opportunities. She stressed the Ministry's continued commitment to implementing the social protection strategy and developing its services for persons with disabilities to meet their needs and safeguard their rights.
The President of the General Union of Charitable Societies, Amer Al-Khawaldeh, praised the efforts of the Minister of Social Development and her continuous field visits to charitable societies, emphasizing their role in fulfilling their mission towards their local communities. He noted that the Child Care Society serves as a leading example in serving people with disabilities and highlights the importance of organized volunteer work in supporting the most vulnerable groups.
He stated that enhancing services for people with disabilities requires the integration of official and community efforts, as well as the ability of societies to develop their programs to achieve genuine inclusion and sustainable empowerment for this group.
The President of the Society, Fares Al-Masa’eed, expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Minister of Social Development, Wafaa Bani Mustafa, and her commitment to monitoring the services provided to people with disabilities. He considered her presence a significant source of moral support for the Society and its staff.
He affirmed that this visit reflects the Ministry's interest in strengthening partnerships with active societies in the field and developing programs aimed at empowering people with disabilities and providing a more inclusive environment that responds to their needs.
He pointed out that the Child Care Society places great importance on developing services provided to people with disabilities through rehabilitation and training programs tailored to their needs, enabling their integration into society. Al-Masa’eed noted that the association continuously strives to strengthen its partnerships with civil society organizations and official bodies, emphasizing that the ongoing support from the Ministry of Social Development has enabled the association to expand its services and reach a wider segment of beneficiaries.
He explained that the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities reflects a profound humanitarian message, aiming to affirm the rights of this group and their capacity for creativity and contribution when provided with a supportive environment.
The celebration, attended by the association's beneficiaries with disabilities, their families, and a large number of local residents, included artistic performances, patriotic poems, and a pantomime play presented by the association's beneficiaries. A document was also signed affirming the commitment of the participants and the local community to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.