July 1 , 2008

Bethlehem University recognizes determination of handicapped graduates

June 20, 2008

The Bethlehem University Committee for Students with Special Needs hosted a recognition ceremony for four graduates with special needs on Thursday, June 19.

Among the four graduates were three Social Sciences majors: Hadeel Mansour and Shatha Abu Srour who are both visually impaired, and Iman Dwaib who is sitting in a wheelchair. Ayat Obyat, who is visually impaired as well, received her Bachelors Degree in Arabic.

The ceremony was opened by Ms. May Jaber, the Assistant to the Dean of Students and chairperson of the Committee for Students with Special Needs. She congratulated the graduates and expressed her appreciation of their efforts and hard work during the four years of their studies. She also expressed her confidence that the four graduates will find employment. Hadeel Mansour already has a job at the Bethlehem based Society of Women and Children.

After the graduates were awarded plaques honoring their efforts, a short reception with friends and teachers of the graduates was held. On behalf of the other graduates Shatha Abu Srour thanked the committee members and Bethlehem University for their great work and the attention they give Special Need Students.

Currently 17 students with special needs, 6 of whom are male and 11 of whom are female, study in a variety of fields offered by Bethlehem University .  The purpose of the Committee for Students with Special Needs (physical disabled) is to provide as much educational equality as physically sound students have through personal counseling, mechanical assistance and teaching aids.