OUR STORY

In 1985, Val Jourdan, Chair and Founder Trustee spent a year working as a paediatric physiotherapist in the West Bank.

Recognising the dire needs of disabled children and young adults in the area and with no one to take her place, Val and the late Georgina Mortimer, endeavoured to improve the situation.

A year later Action around Bethlehem Children with Disability (ABCD) was established as a UK registered charity, and so we began. Today we work with six local partners:-

  • The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation supporting their community based Outreach Services.

  • The Sheepfold in Beit Sahour, run by Mary Rewers, provides day care for the most vulnerable and severely disabled children and young adults.

  • In 2014, with the help of our Trustee Dr Firas Sarhan, we started supporting the rehabilitation centres of Nour Shams and Jalazone Refugee Camps, followed by Al Arroub Refugee Camp in 2019.

  • In 2022 we were able extend our help to a fourth refugee camp supporting the rehabilitaion centre Ein Beit al Mar.

Nothing is impossible

With over 35 years of experience, and guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality, we support local health centres to deliver high-quality, child-centred care.

People & Community

ABCD brings hope to the families helping these vulnerable children find their rightful place in the community

Rehabilitation

Success is the sum of the efforts put in by ABCD’s trained rehabilitation staff, repeated day-in and day-out with compassion for children with disability

Centres

ABCD works with health centres across the West Bank to ensure they can meet the needs of their community. We deliver child-centred holistic care with family support to fight stigmas still associated with disability.

Fundraising

Giving is not just about making a donation – It is about a life changing opportunity for many  young children in ABCD’s care

Helping Disabled Children In Palestine #GiveAChildHope

ABCD Bethlehem is a humanitarian charity, solely funded by public donations, with the aim of helping to improve the lives of children with disabilities across Palestine. We have been working in the region for 40 years supporting those in need, regardless of faith, race or gender.