Zarqa: Her Royal Highness Princess Alia bint Al Hussein sponsored the Friends of People with Disabilities Festival, held at the theater of the late poet Habib Al-Zyoudi at the King Abdullah II Cultural Center. The event was organized by the Children Cultural Club Society in Zarqa, in collaboration with the Zarqa Directorate of Culture.
According to Jordan News Agency, the festival was attended by prominent figures including Zarqa Governor Firas Abu Qaoud, Zarqa Police Director Brigadier Yazan Al-Jarrah, Director of Zarqa Directorate of Culture Mohammad Al-Zoubi, and Chairman of the Zarqa Governorate Committee Jamal Abu Eid. Also in attendance were society member artist and director Naim Haddadin, local community representatives, citizens, and individuals interested in cultural and social affairs.
Festival Director Sami Al-Majali stated that the idea behind the festival has been in development for years, with the primary goal of supporting people with disabilities by integrating them into cultural, artistic, and theatrical activities. The festival aims to highlight their needs, issues, and demands, thereby enhancing their presence in the cultural and social scene.
Al-Majali emphasized that integrating people with disabilities into cultural and educational programs and training courses could open opportunities for employment and private projects, contributing to improved living conditions. He urged consideration of their abilities in job appointments within both the public and private sectors.
In a speech on behalf of people with disabilities, Hamza Al-Qudah highlighted the talents and abilities of this group, noting the challenges they face between policy and practice. He stressed that overcoming this gap would enable them to showcase their creativity in various cultural, artistic, and handicraft fields.
Al-Qudah remarked that the festival is a humanitarian message with profound implications, aimed at supporting people with disabilities and bolstering their societal presence. He expressed gratitude to the Children Cultural Club Association for its ongoing efforts.
The festival, which runs until next Tuesday, features poetry recitations and theatrical performances emphasizing the importance of community participation by people with disabilities. Princess Alia presented commemorative shields to outstanding individuals and received a shield from Jihan Murjan, director of the Bushra Center for Studies and Research, in recognition of her support.
On the festival's sidelines, Princess Alia inaugurated a charity bazaar showcasing handicrafts, local products, and traditional foods, reflecting Jordanian values and community solidarity.