Dubai: A unique initiative by two Dubai-based residents provides children in the UAE a free of cost opportunity to socialise with other children, irrespective of their backgrounds and abilities.
Sharareh Zainalian, inclusive special needs educator and student of behaviour analysis, who began the initiative with Asareh Ebrahimpour, a contemporary dancer and artist, said, “It was in April 2015 that I first realised children have a limited understanding of each other and they have a lot to learn about accepting and enjoying each other’s company. So Asareh and I started to design and manage community-based workshops for kids aged five-12, regardless of their abilities and differences. The goal is to improve their social skills.”
She said the workshops are held once a month at different venues and last for three hours.
She said, “Kids enjoy a variety of activities such as yoga, painting, dancing and meditation. But above all, they learn to socialise and through the art of communication and acceptance, spend valuable time together.”
She said, “We have been lucky to have the support of many centres and schools to host our events. I would like to thank Greenfield Community School, Sciences Centre and The Developing Child Centre and volunteers who have helped us.”
The next free event is being held at the Developing Child Centre at Umm Suqueim between 3pm and 6pm on October 13.
