SCHS OPENS THE FIRST PHASE OF ITS NEW BUILDINGS WITH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT
Coinciding with the beginning of the new academic year 2024-2025, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) receives its students with disabilities in its new buildings in Al Badie suburb (Al Barashi area) after the completion of the first phase, which included (the General Administration, Al Wafa School for Capacity Development (Al Yarmouk and Al Ramla), the Center for Severe Disabilities (evening period), and the Sharjah Autism Center).
Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of SCHS, praised the concerted efforts of the institutions to complete the project, which were represented by the Committee of the Initiatives of the Late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and the Bank of Sharjah, as entities contributing to financing the project, and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure as the entity supervising the implementation of the project, in addition to the Department of Public Works for supervising the implementation of external works and each of Sharjah Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority. Sheikha Jameela expressed her appreciation for their unlimited support in establishing and developing SCHS’s basic facilities. She stressed that the new buildings would rely on innovative initiatives based on scientific research methodology and in line with the latest global practices, as they will be distinguished by being environmentally friendly and compatible with the latest technologies and achieving Universal Design standards to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for all.
Embodying the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah
SCHS’s president explained that the move to the new buildings embodies the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It is the fruit of His Highness’s insightful vision and sound guidance. She stressed that the first phase of the move to the new buildings reflects the SCHS’s commitment to providing services according to the highest standards, while continuing to enhance fruitful cooperation with local and international partners to achieve SCHS’s vision of building an inclusive and compassionate society. She directed her sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the implementation of this important phase, praising their support and dedication.
She said, “Serving persons with disabilities and their families on a local, regional, and global scale, SCHS has demonstrated its innovative position thanks to the patronage and assistance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, may God protect him. His Highness suggested setting aside land for the construction of an integrated future complex, strengthening SCHS's mission to be a premier organization that promotes, includes, and empowers individuals with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates, the Arab world, and around the world. His Highness did this because he recognized the critical role that SCHS plays in society”.
“The concept for the SCHS project's main website aligns with the organization's guiding ideals, which center on supporting, empowering, and including individuals with disabilities and their families. The project's essential components are interconnected through the center of the design, and the main axes are meant to resemble nature and its living elements. By studying natural organisms and ecosystems, engineering design solutions that guarantee user comfort and ease of use are created” added Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela.
The natural leaf's shape was selected as a component to represent the dispersion and gradation of usage of the various buildings' external surfaces. To accomplish complementary roles with the different uses of the buildings and the intended age groups, the exterior spaces of the buildings were also utilized. The design incorporates the fundamental components that satisfy the goals and specifications of SCHS, helping to create a setting that is appropriate for the provision of its range of services, which include cultural, educational, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and community services.
The late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's initiatives contributed AED 80 million towards the construction phase, Sharjah Bank contributed AED 30 million, and SCHS covered approximately AED 63 million of the cost of construction works, consultant fees, and equipping and furnishing the building. The total estimated cost of construction and operational works for the first phase is AED 173 million.
Main facilities
The administration building and the library, which caters to students and researchers by offering an atmosphere furnished with the newest materials and technology that are inclusive and available to everyone, are two of the primary facilities included in the new project. The educational facilities of the Al Wafa School for Capacity Development and the Sharjah Autism Center, which offer mental health students’ rehabilitation and education services. The buildings house classrooms, life skills development rooms, treatment rooms, educational and rehabilitation facilities, as well as open spaces for play and outdoor activities open to all age groups and community organizations.
First phase of a major construction process
The latest phase, according to Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of SCHS, encompasses an estimated 100,000 square meters of the 575,000 square meters of the piece of land that was generously allotted by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, may God protect him. According to the best worldwide practices, the project embodies the idea of SCHS for a homogenous community inside an integrated complex with an inclusive educational and therapeutic environment for everyone.
“The second phase of the project will span 295,972 square meters and comprise fourteen structures. The remaining space has been set aside for investment initiatives that seek to both create integrated facilities that embody an inclusive environment and yield returns that meet the operating resources of SCHS financially sustainably” added Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei.
The new buildings provide an attractive learning environment that is in line with the principles of Universal Design. This environment targets students and their families, professionals, volunteers and researchers, which contributes to creating an inclusive and accessible environment in accordance with the highest international standards.
She explained that, considering the growing demand for SCHS's services, the design of the new buildings reflects the importance of keeping up with this demand by meeting the needs of individuals in a way that is consistent with the profound and noble content of these services, as well as providing strategic plans. The project was developed using scientific research and best practices in engineering design and operational processes for education, rehabilitation, and support services. As a result, SCHS works to strengthen cooperation and build partnerships with global, Arab, and local agencies and entities to guarantee that individuals with disabilities receive the best possible services in all areas.
Al Yafei confirmed that the second phase of the project includes the establishment of a group of vital facilities, including the Early Intervention Center, Al Amal Kindergarten for the Deaf, Al Amal School for the Deaf, Masarat Center for Development and Empowerment, independent living buildings, the treatment center, the center for severe and multiple disabilities, the sports complex, the mosque building, the guest house, the museum, the theater, the facilities management and maintenance and central stores, and the staff housing.
In closing, the SCHS Director General stated that since the organization's founding in 1979, it has remained dedicated to staying up to date with the most recent methods of assisting individuals with disabilities in collaboration with regional, national, and worldwide partners. It has also worked to increase community awareness of the concerns facing individuals with disabilities and to improve community integration initiatives to attain the best outcomes.