Abu Dhabi: A foundation in Abu Dhabi has started a training programme for young people of determination (people with special needs) that provides them with the skills required to enter the workforce.
SEDRA (services for educational development research and awareness for inclusion of persons with disabilities) started the six-week Industry Practitioner Programme about two weeks ago in hopes of providing young people in this segment with the core skills set required by employers.
Renate Baur-Richter |
“The goal is to prepare young people with disabilities with skills that allow them to conduct basic operational tasks. And we focus on transferable skills not niche skills,” said Renate Baur-Richter, programme manager, SEDRA.
“Training itself is about learning core work skills … problem solving, communicating with others, self-management, workplace etiquette and building up self-esteem,” she added.
The non-profit organisation founded by Shaikha Aljazia Bint Saif Al Nahyan, developed the programme to address the lack of career opportunities available for young people of determination.
According to Baur-Richter, there are very few young people with disabilities currently entering the job force and often the opportunities presented to them are not structured or supported, which makes them not sustainable in the long run.
“There is no professional development in place (in the singular jobs) … employers let them do what they can do, and it is often not that much,” said Baur-Richter.
Baur-Richter said the foundation is working on arranging vocational training at organisations for the participants at the end of their training to expose them to the work environment.
As part of the programme, the foundation will also train the employers who are willing to take people with disabilities as interns and support them during the length of the internship, including providing full-time job coaches with the interns, to ensure a successful experience for both the employer and the candidate.
“We hope the training is more of a beacon to inspire more companies to collaborate on a structured vocational training programme,” Baur-Richter said.
“Exposure to a workplace presents so many benefits ... it’s about development and growth,” she added.
The Industry Practitioner Programme participants told Gulf News that they were very happy to be part of the initiative and hoped to get jobs in the future.
Essra and Asma Abu Selmia, Palestinian-American twins, who are taking part in the programme, said they love the experience they are receiving at SEDRA.
“We get to learn, have new experiences, and meet new people. I really like it,” said Essra.
“I want to work. Here, I get to learn how to act like in an office. I learn about scenarios (situations that need problem solving). It’s really good,” said Asma.
“I want to work because I want to be busy. I don’t like sitting at home and watching TV. I like this course (programme) because I get so many new experiences,” said Clari Lehmkhul.
To enter the training programme, participants require to meet the baseline requirement set by the foundation which includes possessing basic academic education and verbal skills.
For more information on how you can participate in SEDRA’s programmes, visit www.sedra.org
