SCHS ORGANIZES THE 32ND SESSION OF THE SUMMER CENTER “SUMMER CARAVAN”
On Monday, July 15, 2024, the activities of the 32nd session of the Summer Center "Summer Caravan", organized by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), began and would last until next August 8. About 57 people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and severe and multiple disabilities are participating in the event under the supervision of several volunteers with disabilities and university students.
Her Excellence The director general of SCHS, Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, has confirmed that the center's objectives are to: empower self-advocates by giving them the chance to organize workshops and events; draw volunteers and inspire them to work with people with disabilities; and occupy the free time of disabled students with enjoyable and beneficial activities.
She said, “The fact that SCHS has been able to maintain the summer center since 1986 amply attests to the effectiveness of its strategic vision, which includes the inclusion, empowerment, and advocacy of individuals with disabilities in compliance with global best practices”.
She added, “During their vacations, people with disabilities have the right to entertainment and amusement. Because of this, SCHS was proactive and eager from the start, organizing the summer center and restructuring it over a thirty-year period at the behest of SCHS President Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi”.
According to Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, the brothers and friends of people with disabilities participate in many of the Summer Center’s activities in an effort to provide the appropriate environment for integration and raise community awareness of the abilities, skills, and talents possessed by people with disabilities, which enhances their self-confidence and contributes to developing their talents in various fields.
In turn, Ms. Maimunah Hussein, General Supervisor of the “Summer Caravan,” pointed out the participation of people of different disabilities and ages in the center’s rich and diverse activities, workshops, trips, and programs, which will be organized in cooperation with many cooperating individuals, entities, centers, and institutions.
She also stressed that one of the center's most important goals is for students, their siblings, and friends to spend enjoyable and useful times, taking into account individual differences in recreational and purposeful activities. She praised the fruitful cooperation that the center is witnessing with the participation and support of a number of governmental and private agencies, to provide activities and recreational trips for the center's students. She extended her sincere thanks to:
Sharjah Museums Authority, Fann Foundation, Rubu’ Qarn Foundation represented by Sajaya Girls of Sharjah, Sharjah Children Foundation, Emerson Foundation, Sharjah Arts Foundation, Al Nahda Women’s Association in Dubai.
The center will also witness a group of entertainment and educational trips to Children’s City in Dubai, KidZena Dubai, Dubai Dolphinarium, Fun Zone, and other tourist and entertainment attractions.