Weaving workshop helps disabled learn marketable crafts

The Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services has opened a weaving workshop as part of its plan to teach crafts to the disabled to help them earn a living. The workshop will be the seventh rehabilitation workshop set up by the City to provide training for the disabled in tailoring, handicrafts, carpentry, painting, pottery and ceramics.

Nidal Al Beshiti, chief of the Rehabilitation Section, said that 11 mentally impaired students and a blind student will initially be enrolled in this workshop. "They will be supervised by a specialist and an assistant, who have experience in training people with special needs," she said.

She explained that they have a number of weaving machines, including small manual sets, and that the City imports the wool to be used by the students in making traditional mats and tapestry work.

These products will be sold through the City's permanent exhibition located at the Al Arisa Traditional Market, or displayed at the City's other exhibitions. The City also offers training in hotel management and computing.