Omar's Story
12 April 2010
(MAP) Omar is a four-year-old Palestinian boy who lives with his family in the unofficial refugee gathering of Qasmiyeh in southern Lebanon.
Omar was born with congenital deformities in his upper and lower limbs. This disability makes it very difficult for him to lead a normal life in a camp environment which is typified by narrow roads, low hanging electricity cables and crumbling infrastructure. Omar's mother has four other children. The level of help he requires has placed a lot of pressure on her as Omar hasn't been able play with other children and the local schools are not adapted to his mobility needs.
Omar requires ongoing healthcare including orthopedic surgical operations, physical rehabilitation and assistive devices and orthotics to facilitate his movement. MAP in partnership with the Palestinian Women's Humanitarian Organization (PWHO) is working to address the needs of children like Omar in Lebanon. Since he began attending organised activities he has started to move his upper and lower limbs with a far greater range than before. He is also standing and walking independently and using his hands to play and eat.
These improvements in Omar's standard of living are allowing him to be slowly integrated into the local community by being able to play with other children.
Learn more about MAP's work on empowering people with disabilities
