Ward Osama Al-Azza, at just 8 and a half years old, had a life filled with challenges. His family consisted of his father and a younger sister, and they struggled with economic challenges. To add to the difficulties, Ward's parents were divorced, and his mother lived far away in Jordan.
The separation of his parents and the sudden loss of contact with his mother, who had been his primary source of love and protection, left Ward grappling with behavioral issues. He found it hard to interact with others in group settings, often seeing their actions as threats to his well-being. He became convinced that others intended to harm him and reacted with physical violence to what he perceived as provocation.
In 2018, Ward's life took a significant turn when he was enrolled in Al-Shurooq School. This decision was based on a visual evaluation conducted at the Visual Rehabilitation Department of the Arab Rehabilitation Society in Beit Jala. Ward had a partial visual disability, but his challenges extended beyond that. A developmental diagnosis revealed that he suffered from learning difficulties and needed rehabilitation for life skills. As a result, he was allowed to join the school and live in its boarding house for five days a week.
The dedicated school staff worked tirelessly with Ward, helping him develop self-awareness and a sense of personal identity. Through art and comparative images, they aimed to connect him with the real world, shifting his beliefs and imagination. They also encouraged him to create visual representations of his family and close relatives, strengthening the value of these relationships in his life.
Gradually, Ward began to change his behavior and negative thinking towards people and situations; even though there were, times when he slipped back into his previous mindset. Despite these challenges, during his time at Al-Shurooq School, Ward made significant progress. He grew emotionally and developed the ability to handle individual responsibilities and duties, marking a qualitative improvement in his life.
Ward's journey serves as evidence of the transformative power of dedicated care and education. Despite the obstacles he faced, he was gradually finding his way towards a brighter and more promising future, thanks to the support of the school and his deep connection with his family.
