Aseel resides in Beit Urr Al-Tahta village, situated to the west of Ramallah, with her parents and three brothers. Nearly six years ago, her mother brought her to Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center, explaining that Aseel had contracted Meningitis at just five days old, which significantly impacted her intellectual capabilities, leading to a moderate intellectual disability. Aseel faced challenges in hearing and speech, lacked basic life skills, and struggled to attend to her most fundamental needs.
Upon enrolling at Star Mountain, Aseel displayed introverted and shy tendencies. She had difficulty expressing herself, lacked companionship, and often played with her toys in solitude. Additionally, she paid little attention to her clothing and personal appearance.
The specialists at Star Mountain conducted a comprehensive assessment of Aseel and formulated a tailored plan for her development. They implemented an intensive program aimed at improving her daily life skills and enhancing her academic knowledge. Aseel was also educated about protecting herself from abuse and violence, with an emphasis on reporting any such incidents to her teachers.
Aseel's journey at Star Mountain included her participation in the acrobatic and traditional dance teams. At the age of seven, the Team partly included her in a regular school, attending twice a week while spending three days at Star Mountain. With time, she gained the ability to express herself, built friendships, and became more self-confident. She acquired skills such as writing numbers from 1 to 10, performing basic calculations, and matching words with corresponding images. Aseel discovered a passion for sewing small items and eagerly took initiative in her class activities, including tasks like cleaning tables and washing dishes. She also started paying extra attention to her clothing, ensuring colors matched.
Aseel nurtured a dream of becoming a school teacher to educate children like herself. On a particular day, SMRC’s Director crossed paths with Aseel on her way to the Star Mountain school. She greeted the Director warmly, wearing a beautiful smile as she always did, addressing her with a cheerful "Good morning, director." The Director couldn't help but notice the bracelet adorning her wrist and inquired about its origin. Aseel proudly responded, "I made it, and I'll make one for you." This transformation marked the remarkable journey of a child who, nearly six years ago, struggled to form even the simplest sentences, let alone engage in thoughtful and considerate conversations with such a bright and joyful smile.