IHAB AL RIFAI (AL DHAFRA)
Reem Saeed Al Mazrouei, the director of the Madinat Zayed Centre for Care and Rehabilitation, affiliated with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, announced that the centre has achieved an over 90% success rate in integrating students of determination into government schools during the past period.
The annual process at the centre involves identifying and nominating students capable of learning in a public school environment. These students undergo rigorous training in cognitive, academic, and behavioural fields, followed by diagnostic tests that qualify them for seamless integration into mainstream schools. This holistic approach ensures that students of determination are effectively empowered in their educational journeys.
Over the past two years, more than 20 students have successfully integrated into social and comprehensive educational programmes, Al Mazrouei said. A specialised team from the centre regularly monitors these students, accompanying them on weekly visits to schools. Their mission is to identify challenges and provide timely solutions, ensuring a smooth educational journey for the integrated students, she added.
The centre's impact extends to a wide range of services, benefitting over 92 students across Zayed City and Liwa City, which is approximately 60 kilometres away from the centre. Al Mazrouei emphasised the country's commitment to empowering people of determination. Despite geographical challenges, the centre ensures that children of determination receive their rightful services.
Among the 13 diverse services offered by the centre in the Al Dhafra region are academic education, integration into educational institutions, activity services, comprehensive care, early intervention, autism education and rehabilitation, cooperative education, psychological and social counselling, distance learning, individualised educational plans, Braille services for visually challenged individuals, and other electronic resources.
Al Mazrouei outlined the centre's strategic goals, including early detection of disabilities through targeted nursery programmes in Zayed City. The centre collaborates with the health care department to prepare beneficiaries for therapeutic services, adheres to regular check-ups for children and those preparing for marriage, and provides robust training in early intervention programmes. The ultimate aim is to achieve educational success for students, with a target success rate of up to 90%.
Al Mazrouei affirmed that the centre actively engages with the community. Families of people of determination are encouraged to participate in the employment project, while talented individuals contribute to community activities and events. The centre also seeks new partnerships to enhance its therapeutic and educational goals.
Furthermore, the centre nurtures talents among people of determination, offering training in scientific and information technology fields. From manufacturing assistive tools with 3D printers to theatrical performances, engaging with Arab stars and musical talents, singing, and electronic game development for children, the centre empowers individuals while promoting sustainability through recycling initiatives.
Al Mazrouei noted that the centre has several workshops that include: sewing, candle making, spinning and weaving, recycling, pottery and clay, and 3D printing, as well as a number of vital facilities for students, including classrooms, therapy rooms, a private pool, an outdoor area containing games suitable for people of determination, nursing rooms, and an awards theatre.
The centre's students have won many awards during competitions and events, including 1st place at the 13th edition of the Information Technology Marathon Competition at the United Arab Emirates University, 1st place in the Autism Category at the Abu Dhabi University drawing competition. The students have also done well at national sports competitions.