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Background The activity framework is a clubhouse that offers enrichment programmes and leisure activities for young children with developmental difficulties. The clubhouse operates three afternoons a week and serves a broad population in the western Galilee that is of heterogeneous ethnic and religious origin. It has been operating for three years and serves Jews, Muslim and Christian Arabs, Druze, Bedouins and refugees from southern Lebanon. The clubhouse is supported by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and receives additional support from private contributions. There are few comparable services in the Western Galilee, particularly among minority populations. Indeed, there is no public professional organization providing enrichment and leisure activities to this segment of the Arab population in the Western Galilee, so Mercaz Cochav has assumed responsibility for providing this essential service. Most of the families of children targeted by this program have limited means and have a hard time coping with the challenges of raising a child with special needs. The Project 20 children, aged 3 to 10, are bussed to the clubhouse 3 afternoons a week. At the centre enrichment and therapeutic activities include music workshops and movement, hydrotherapy, challenging sports, alternative medical treatments, reflexology, and creative arts and crafts. Each child gets individual care that is provided by a counsellor and by volunteers. The project provides essential intervention at a critical stage of the children's development. It has added importance because it provides direct treatment to children along with support for parents. The project has four main goals:
To improve the daily functioning of children with disabilities in three major areas motor skills, cognitive ability and social skills
To expand the opportunities for interpersonal interactions for children with developmental difficulties
To improve relations between care providers and the parents and family members of children with special needs
To improve the self-image of children with developmental disabilities and their status within the family. Despite the differences in culture and religious belief, the families are working together with the centre to support their children and bring some play and fun into their lives.
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