Supporting noble causes

On an April evening, along with my friends from Sharjah's Manzil Centre for Challenged Individuals and The Millennium School, I participated in a show at the Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai.

The show was a part of the Manzil Centre's Annual Gala Dinner event. The Manzil Centre is a non-profit organisation that educates children and young adults with special needs, including those with autism, Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy in the UAE. They provide the special students with vocational training and high-quality education.

The show had a perfect blend of music, dance and positive energy. The musical play narrated the story about the strong bond between two friends, a duck and a fox, and how everything is possible when we work together.

I enjoyed playing the role of a happy and energetic duckling. My 20 friends from the Manzil Centre and about 40 children from six different schools in the UAE participated in this musical. The play was based on a story book in the UAE. The story, illustrations and translations have all been done by students of the Manzil Centre and their mainstream peers from different schools.

Along with me, one of my friends from the Manzil Centre presented the character of a duckling dressed in the same costume and acted based on the narration of the story. At one stage, we were two ducklings presenting the same character.

This teaming up made the presentation very special. It entertained the guests but also conveyed the message that we must accept friends the way they are and work as a team towards any problem or project for more effective results. Thus, the show was named "Together, We Can".

The venue was fully packed with more than 200 people in attendance. I was happy to see the generosity of so many corporations and individuals towards this noble fund-raising event. In the spirit of love, nearly 45 volunteers supported the organisation of this event. The audience was very energised and thrilled to see the energy in us. They were content and had a hearty meal with the vibrations of the show still in them.

It was indeed an evening to remember. I urge more and more people to come forward and contribute towards such noble causes. You can make a real difference and play a major role in integrating children and young adults into the society.

 — This reader is a Grade 6 pupil at The Millennium School in Dubai.