The success of the medical awareness-raising convoy activities for children in Ismailia, entitled “Community Integration of Children with Special Needs,” launched by the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood

The medical awareness convoy for children in Ismailia, under the title “Community Integration of Children with Special Needs,” launched by the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood, at Ain Shams University, succeeded in attracting a large number of normal children, children with special needs, and their families. It was a successful example of integrating them into receiving services and participating in various activities provided by a large number of participants in the convoy.

This came under the auspices of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, Major General Staff Officer. Sherif Fahmy Bishara, Governor of Ismailia, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs and Prof. Howaida Al-Jabali, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood, and Major General Hossam El-Sherbiny, Assistant Secretary of the University for the Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs Sector.

The convoy was prepared, organized, and supervised by Prof. Randa Kamal Abdel Raouf, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, at the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood, the Faculty of Nursing under the supervision and coordination of Prof. Hiyam Tantawi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Nursing for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, the Faculty of Specific Education, the Faculty of Archeology, and the Center for Care of People with Special Needs, under the supervision and coordination of Prof. Ahmed Al-Kahki, director of the center, participated in the activities.

The convoy was distinguished by providing various medical, rehabilitation, and awareness services to a number of more than two hundred and fifty children and their families. The children received more than one service, including examination, treatment, and development of an appropriate rehabilitation protocol, which was carried out by a specialized group of faculty staff at the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood and consultants and specialists from the Center for People with Special Needs, at Ain Shams University in multiple specialties, including pediatrics, pediatric neurology, family counseling, skills development, vocational rehabilitation, occupational therapy, psychometrics, and autism.

The Faculty of Nursing measured the blood pressure and diabetes of 250 children and their families and referred some cases to school health insurance. Family awareness was conducted about preventing chronic diseases and raising awareness about diabetes for children with it.

The Faculty of Specific Education participated through a workshop to print textiles using pre-made stencils. 100 T-shirts were printed for normal children and children with special needs and were distributed to them after they were finished printing.

The Faculty also participated in creating a marionette puppet theater to modify some behaviors by presenting a purposeful play.

The Faculty of Archeology held an interactive symposium on “The History of Ismailism in Ancient Egyptian Civilization,” presented by Dr. Sawsan Issa, a Lecturer at the Faculty of Archeology.

The work team held a workshop on mummification and its steps, making papyrus paper in ancient Egypt, and writing children’s names in the letters of the ancient Egyptian language.

The convoy highlighted the important role played by families of children with special needs, the great responsibility that falls on their shoulders to prepare their children for community integration, and the role of the school and teachers in preparing the educational environment for integration into schools.