On Thursday, 6 November 2025, the Occupational Therapy Program at the Rehabilitation Department, Tarek Ahmad Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences at Bethlehem University, organized an engaging awareness event to celebrate World Occupational Therapy Day.
The event brought together students from all academic years, faculty members, and representatives from various centers and institutions providing occupational therapy services across Palestine. United by enthusiasm and teamwork, the students led interactive and educational activities highlighting the essential role of occupational therapy in enhancing quality of life and promoting independence in daily living.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ms. Salam Awad, Dean of the Faculty, Mr. Anan Ghabash, Chairperson of the Rehabilitation Department, and student representative Zahi Thoqan, followed by a video presentation, interactive drama sketches, and a lively quiz competition.
Hazar Al-Shami, Occupational Therapist at the Bethlehem University OT Clinic, delivered an insightful presentation about the clinic’s mission in providing both practical training for students and community-based rehabilitation services.
Throughout the event, participants explored several interactive stations, including:
- Assistive tools
- Occupational therapy assessments
- Intervention techniques
- Simulation areas
- The OT Clinic corner
- The Resource Center corner
Students also presented creative activities to help the audience understand the importance of occupational therapy in everyday life.
This event reflected the students’ passion and commitment to spreading the message of the profession and embodied this year’s theme, “Occupational Therapy in Action.” It also aligned with the vision of the Rehabilitation Department at Bethlehem University to prepare creative and skilled occupational therapists through interactive, practical, and ethical learning.
