Parents Protest Unsuitable Autism School in Shuafat

Parents of autistic students in Shuafat are expressing anger and dismay over a newly designated school building that they deem unfit for education. The students have yet to begin their academic year, remaining at home despite the start of the school term. Parents report being informed of the school's location and principal only a day prior to its supposed opening.

According to Abu Al-Majd Al-Nabulsi, father of an autistic student, the designated building is entirely unsuitable for educational purposes and fails to meet the specific needs of children on the autism spectrum. He described the situation as "very difficult" for families, who require a proper educational environment for their children. Al-Nabulsi stated that the municipality and the Ministry of Education have imposed this situation on the families.

Joseph Kuperkian, the families' lawyer, confirmed that parents waited for approximately four hours at the municipality building before receiving any attention. A municipal representative later assured them that efforts were underway to prepare and equip the school. However, acknowledging the unclear situation, the families have decided to pursue legal action to secure their children's right to education. The lawsuit aims to represent 57 families seeking this fundamental right.

Raed Nashashibi, a local resident and neighbor, also voiced strong objections to establishing an autism school within a residential building. He emphasized that such educational facilities require a dedicated space with appropriate infrastructure, including playgrounds and necessary equipment. Nashashibi argued that a residential building, with minimal modifications, cannot serve as a suitable school, citing insufficient and inadequate sanitary facilities.