Abu Dhabi: Children with special needs proudly showcased their works to family and friends at a special exhibition the National Theatre's Talent and Creativity Centre on Wednesday.
The event that marked the end of their participation in Wednesday Wonders, a five-week series of workshops by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (Admaf) and START, a Dubai-based non-profit arts programme, which in addition to working with children with special needs in the UAE, has also has worked with underprivileged children in Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan.
"These workshops brought together children with special needs from all over the UAE, members from the ‘Takatof Social Volunteer Programme' of the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy' and artists. It was wonderful to see the children smiling… these workshops allow children with special needs to express themselves. It provides a great outlet for them, especially for those who can't verbalise their thoughts," Sonia Brewin, START Director, said.
Specially prepared canvases with geometrical templates inspired by leading Arab artists, as well as traditional Emirati artwork, were provided to the children who chose their colour schemes to give each work their unique stamp. In addition to the works being displayed, the children were also given certificates and coloured pencil boxes in a special ceremony that highlighted their participation in the workshops.
"My daughter Angela has attended every workshop with her brother, and whenever she came home we could tell that she had a wonderful time through her gestures," Marilyn Pascual, a Filipino expatriate said.
