Unique project to help the disabled

Interior Ministry officials in the capital yesterday unveiled details of the Rehabilitation, Training and Recruitment Centre for People with Special Needs, which was officially opened in Al Ain on Sunday.

According to Nassir Ali bin Aziz bin Maktoum, General Supervisor of the centre, it is a unique project that provides jobs for physically handicapped after their rehabilitation and training.

"The project is the first of its kind in the whole Arab world. It has been introduced in the country under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to rehabilitate the physically handicapped citizen to lead a normal life and take part in the development of the country," said an official of the centre.

Nassir Ali said the concept will be expanded to cover other areas after its success in Al Ain.

The centre has been housed in a villa in Al Tuwaiyah neighbourhood. "It has all the facilities, including luxury lodgings, nutritious and healthy food and laundry services for the students."

The centre has a library, TV hall, sports facilities and computer classes in addition to other technical training sections.

"The centre will admit students aged between 14 and 40, who will be trained in computer software programmes in addition to repairing computers and other electronic appliances."

The official said specialist professional instructors and teachers have been appointed to run the centre with the support of other institutes of the interior ministry. Other classes include specialised IT and Internet courses, reading, writing as well as Islamic studies.

"Each student will leave the centre as an independent and self-reliant person with a job and a decent earning. This is the prime objective of the project."

He said seven students have already joined the centre and are undergoing training courses.