Projects approved for people with special needs

Abu Dhabi: The President’s Initiatives Follow-up Committee has approved two projects to establish and develop basic facilities for Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) at a cost of Dh80 million, and to establish the Ajman Club for people with special needs at a cost of Dh40 million.

Acting upon the instructions of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide a dignified life and social stability for all Emiratis, the first project includes the construction of basic facilities for people with special needs, while the second project includes the headquarters of the club, including multi-purpose halls and administrative offices.

During the committee meeting held yesterday, Ahmad Juma Al Za’abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Committee, stressed that the committee, in accordance with the follow-up and the vision of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, is following a special work methodology which focuses on securing the needs and requirements of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Al Za’abi said that the committee’s technical team had visited SCHS to inquire about its needs. SCHS is a non-profit organisation that was set up in 1979 to provide people with special needs with education, training, and support. The organisation is in need of expansion works as it currently serves 1,132 students. A total of 521 students are on SCHS’ waiting list due to the organisation’s limited capacity.

Al Za’abi pointed out that the committee will immediately begin the construction of necessary facilities.

He added that the committee has approved the immediate construction of Ajman Club for Special Needs after completing a study that showed the club currently operates from a villa located in Al Mushairef, and currently has 196 athletes. The club was set up in 2012 as an educational institution that helps integrate people with special needs into society.

Al Za’abi pointed out that on completion of the projects, they will continue to be operated by the bodies that are managing them currently.