Who We Are

Annahda Association Histroy

The governing body of the association consists of the General Assembly, which includes 73 members, representing charitable civil society organizations, women from well-known families in Ramallah, in addition to prominent figures and active community activists. The association is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of nine members.

Continuing since 1924

Stages of the Association's Development

Since its establishment in 1925, Annahda passed through many fundamental developments stemming from the political, social and economic context, which the Palestinian people witnessed back since the twenties and up until now. These changes formed the mandate of our current institution, setting its identity, while also moulding its future directions towards serving people with disabilities and their families in Ramallah and Al-Bireh, and covering urban, rural and refugee camps.

1925-1947

Establishment

The first phase

Annahda starting point to focus on women’s education and economic empowerment. As part of the Palestinian women movement and as one of the first organizations to serve women in Ramallah, Annahda sought to advance the cultural, social, health, educational and economic situation of women, while enabling them to rely on themselves through awareness raising, education and employment. Due to the deterioration of the health situation of the population at the time, Annahda established a health center and recruited medical aid teams.

1948-1971

Empowerment

The second phase

Annahda focused on the educational and economic empowerment of women, as well as responded to the emergency needs of the poor and marginalized. With the changes occurring in the political, economic and social context since Annahda’s establishment up until 1948, along with the advancements in the situation of women in Ramallah, focus shifted towards the emergency and relief needs of the Palestinian people in general. A feeding center was established, food and assistance were provided to the poor. The clinic continued delivering health services, educational scholarships for girls to access secondary and tertiary education, as well as employment opportunities for women in embroidery.

1972-1990

Crossroads

The third phase

A major crossroad towards focusing on people with disabilities and their families. In 1972, women’s situation in Ramallah Improved; while in contrast, new societal needs emerged, especially regarding people with disabilities. Hence, a small rehabilitation center was opened, and a protective workshop was established in 1986 along with various income generating projects. Meanwhile, the organization continued focusing on the education of women, and in 1977 it opened six classes to eliminate illiteracy, and provided scholarships for girls and young women to complete their education, alongside its focus on economic empowerment through opening a sewing workshop in 1986. But in light of the economic blockade and the first intifada in 1987, many of these income generating projects were closed.

1991-2024

Expansion

The fourth phase

marked an era of expansion and specialization in serving persons with disabilities and their families. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Annahda began working in 1991 to support students with learning disabilities and facilitate their inclusion into public schools. In 1995, the association established the Hearing and Speech Center in Ramallah to serve the general public. Over time, this center evolved, and by 2021, it expanded its services to provide comprehensive care, including specialized hearing assessments for all age groups—from newborns to the elderly. These services now encompass high-quality hearing aid fittings, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation for speech, swallowing, and stroke-related challenges.
During the second Intifada in 2000, an economic empowerment component for families of children with disabilities was introduced. These developments collectively shaped Annahda’s identity as an institution specializing in disability services and offering integrated rehabilitation solutions under one roof.

2021-Now

Development

New Developmental Phases

The association has expanded its services by enhancing its available facilities. The inclusive Badee’a Salameh Garden and the Aziz and Shawqi Shaheen Hall were established at the Hearing, Speech, and Occupational Therapy Center (located opposite the Ramallah Municipality) to promote diverse community activities. These spaces contribute to integrating children into extracurricular activities while enabling the local community to benefit from the association's facilities.
Additionally, the scope of the Annahda Center for Educational and Vocational Rehabilitation in the Al-Tira neighborhood was expanded by constructing an additional floor, significantly enhancing its capacity to provide broader educational and vocational services to students and beneficiaries with disabilities.

Partners and Supporters

The association mobilizes donations from influential figures, individuals, civil society organizations, and private companies that support its mission.