El Bairatt Community & Rehabilitation Centre

I truly believe that from time to time people are guided into your life for a reason. Whilst buying fresh yoghurt from my local shop today, an Irish lady came in, and began to speak to the man behind the counter. He can't speak any English and looked to me for help.

Leyna, had come to visit Luxor and was helping with the Bairatt Community Centre Opening, at 5pm that day. They had no money in the pot and they needed drinks and nibbles for the guests. We got to talking.

I went along to the centre earlier than 5pm, to have a look, speak to the children, their mums and the ladies that help there.
It had been a long time in the making. Funds are hard to raise these days, but it was necessary to relocate, as the facilities at the original building, were old. The premises did not have good access for children with such severe disabilities and with more and more children arriving monthly, a larger space was needed.

A little under one year ago, Shaimaa, her team and the children, relocated to the village of El Tod. The site we visited today.

13 year old Tariq was sat at the entrance in his wheelchair. I remembered him from visiting the old centre, but he had grown so much! He is the brother of Shaimaa, who has inspired her to help him and other children in the area, with their disabilities. Unable to move his body or speak, he constantly smiles, and understands what you say to him.

Mr. Saad was introduced to me and his son Abdul, a confident, 9 year old Down's Syndrome boy, that wore purple glasses and matching Birkenstock sandals. 'I love your sandals' I exclaimed, his father repeated to him,what I had said. Abdul replied 'Shut up, they are mine and you can't have them' That's what is called an ice breaker! He then showed me how well he can sing and play the drums.

Saad also had taken in Aamar. No one really knows his story, as he refuses to talk about where he came from. He arrived on a train to Luxor, alone with no money, just the gallabeyah he was wearing. He was fortunate enough to have met the right people, who called Saad about this silent boy.

Aamar is 10 years old and has only one arm. When asked about his family, he firmly states he doesn't want to return to his family as his father beats him.
This energetic young man and infectious smile, clearly loves all the children around him, as he openly embraces them and puts his arms around them. As for Saad, who has taken Aamr into his home, to live with Abdul and his family, he has total respect for the man that has saved him.

I was told that he did not speak clearly and that it was hard for him to speak, but he spoke a lot and very clearly to me! He wanted to take a photograph of his friends, remember, he has just the one arm. I held the camera body, showed him where to look, positioned his fingers and allowed him to press the button. This is the first photograph he has taken and as a friend said 'It's straight!!'

Parents bring their children from the West Bank villages of El Bairatt, Qurna and Kom, to speak with other parents in the same situation. Being a mother with disabled child, is unimaginable to anyone, but with little support, advice, education or treatment here, the centre was created in 2007.

Tayeb, just 10 months old is held tightly by his proud, smiling mother.
Shu Shu, unable to move or communicate, stays in a buggy or is laid on the floor to look at the ceiling. But she is responsive and followed my pen with great interest.

Amira, 10 months old, resting in her mothers lap as she mimicked facial expressions I made.

Nubi, 14 years old, confined to a wheelchair all his life. A handsome, engaging and intelligent young man, who speaks perfect English.

Hassan Mohamed, 15 years old, who saw me across the room and waved frantically. I remembered him also from my visit 4 years ago. He spoke in perfect English, smiling constantly as we talked about all sorts of things. Hassan told me that he loved Manchester football team and that Wayne Rooney was his favourite player!

A physiotherapist comes in 4 times a week, Shaimaa explains to me 'The results are beginning to show, but we desperately need a speech therapist. We would love a serenity room, with light and sound stimulation, for those that are severely disabled and can only lay on the floor.'

They have so many ideas on how they can improve the childrens lives and create a better place for them, but they need guidance and help. They are not experts, they are young women in their 20's, with a soul purpose to help the children.

Meet the family

The latest information about Aamars family is that have been found and have said they do not want their son back.