AL AMAL SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF CELEBRATES 44 WEEK OF THE DEAF
As customary every year, Al Amal School for the Deaf that is an affiliate of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) is organizing 44 Week of the Deaf from April 21 to 27 under the theme (Forcing government agencies and its affiliates to employ persons with hearing impairment).
Therefore, the school has organized yesterday morning a brainstorming session at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mr. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Director of Branches Affairs at the Human Resources Department in Sharjah, Ms. Samira Abed Rabbo, Secretary of Persons with the Abilities Council, and Ms. Heba Al-Hamrani, Director of the Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs in SCHS were the speakers. Dr. Abdul Salam Al – Hammadi, from Sharjah TV, co-hosted the session. A large number of persons with hearing impairment, their parents, and the people working with them attended the session.
The session has witnessed an interactive discussion about the reality of persons with hearing impairment in the light of Week of the Deaf theme. Participants presented their viewpoints about this topic and the reality of job placement for persons with hearing impairment in public and private institutions in UAE.
Al Amal School for the Deaf student Zakaria Said Salim Al-Hamaydeh delivered a speech in which he confirmed that the Arab Federation of Deaf Organizations has chosen a theme to address this celebration this year. The theme summarizes a series of themes and demands that the deaf community presented more than once in many occasions and a similar celebration. These demands needs to transfer from being merely a cry to gain people’s sympathy to become practical implementation of one of the basic rights of the deaf community. The 44 Week of the Deaf theme (Forcing public bodies to employ persons with hearing impairment) summarize these demands.
H.E Mohammed Ahmed Amin, Director General of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has confirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between SCHS and Sharjah chamber in serving persons with disabilities and the entire community. He has confirmed the importance of the concept of social responsibility of individuals and institutions in order to train, rehabilitate, and employ persons with disabilities in general.
He said, “Our cooperation with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services is not restricted to one event or activity. It is rather continuous. The chamber provides donations, moral support, and contribute to the training and employment of persons with disabilities in the chamber and other affiliates”.
For her part, Mrs. Mona Abdel Karim, the Director of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services has mentioned the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in every area of life.
She pointed out that many students with hearing impairment who graduated from college are unable to find jobs due to several difficulties in general. She asked individuals and institutes to support the training and employment of persons with hearing impairment because of their skills and capabilities, which qualify them to work and succeed.
The director of SCHS has called upon the activation of equal opportunities in regard of persons with hearing impairment. She mentioned that 8% of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services employees are with disabilities. Therefore, SCHS provides them with constant training and makes efforts to raise people’s awareness of their capabilities and skills at work place.
Mrs. Afaf Al Haridi, Director of Al Amal School for the Deaf, has confirmed that the activities of the Week of the Deaf are not going to be restricted to brainstorming sessions. On Monday, the school has organized a sign language training course for its employees, parents of students with disabilities, and society members. In addition, a number of Al Amal School students are going to volunteer to work in a number of public and private schools.
Moreover, Mrs. Afaf Al Haridi has confirmed that the school is going to take part in Career Day taking place at Al Thiqa Club for the Handicapped. It will also organize an open day to raise awareness in collaboration with Civil Defense Department, taking part in Artificial Intelligence Gallery in Sharjah Science Museum, organize a sports event in collaboration with Ajman Sports Club, and many other oriented activities.