SCHS welcomes its students to its new buildings

The first phase of the project includes the General Administration, Al Wafa School for Capacity Development "Yarmouk and Ramla," Severe Disabilities Centre "evening period," and the Sharjah Autism Centre.

Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, commended the collaborative efforts that completed the project. She acknowledged the Executive Committee of the President's Initiatives and the Bank of Sharjah for their financial contributions, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for overseeing implementation, and the Department of Public Works, Sharjah Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority, and Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority for their role in supervising external works.

Sheikha Jameela Al Qasimi expressed her gratitude for the support in establishing and developing the city’s essential facilities. She emphasised that the new buildings incorporate innovative, research-based approaches, align with global best practices, and are distinguished by their environmental friendliness and advanced technology. These facilities meet comprehensive design standards to ensure an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

She noted that the transition to the new buildings reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and is a testament to His Highness's visionary guidance. She highlighted that the first phase of this move demonstrates the city's commitment to delivering top-quality services while fostering strong collaborations with local and international partners. Sheikha Jameela also expressed her sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this significant phase, which supports the city’s goal of creating an inclusive and compassionate society.

The Chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services noted that, under the patronage and support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the city has established itself as a leader locally, regionally, and internationally in supporting people with disabilities and their families. His Highness, recognising the city's vital role, has recommended designating land for the development of a comprehensive future complex. This initiative aims to further the city's vision of becoming a leading institution in advocating for, supporting, and empowering people with disabilities in the UAE, the Arab world, and beyond.

Sheikha Jameela Al Qasimi explained that the design of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services aligns with the core principles of the city's vision and mission, which focus on advocating for, supporting, and empowering people with disabilities and their families. The design features interconnected components centered around the core of the facility, with main axes inspired by nature and its living elements. By incorporating studies of natural organisms and ecosystems, the design aims to create engineering solutions that ensure user comfort and operational ease.

The chairperson of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services highlighted that the design incorporates the shape of a natural leaf to symbolise the gradation and distribution of the external surfaces of the buildings. This approach maximises the use of external spaces to complement the different functions and age groups served by the buildings. The design includes key elements that align with the city's objectives, creating an environment that supports its diverse services, including educational, rehabilitation, therapeutic, cultural, and community programmes.

Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, noted that the current phase spans approximately 100,000 square metres of the 575,000-square-metre plot donated by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. This phase embodies the city's vision of a cohesive community within an integrated complex, offering an inclusive educational and rehabilitation environment that adheres to international best practices. She emphasised that the new buildings create an engaging educational setting aligned with comprehensive design principles, catering to students, their families, professionals, volunteers, and researchers, thereby fostering an inclusive environment that meets the highest global standards.

The design of the new buildings addresses the growing demand for services by aligning with the essential and noble nature of these services and incorporating strategic plans for future needs. Developed based on scientific research and best practices in engineering design and operational processes for education, rehabilitation, and support, the project aims to enhance cooperation and partnerships with global, Arab, and local entities to deliver the best services to individuals with disabilities.

The Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services further outlined that the second phase will feature 14 buildings across 295,972 square meters. The remaining area will be reserved for investment projects, designed to complement the main project and provide revenue for the city's financial sustainability. This phase will include key facilities such as the Early Intervention Centre, Al Amal Kindergarten for the Deaf, Al Amal School for the Deaf, Masarat Centre for Development and Empowerment, independent living buildings, a treatment centre, a center for severe and multiple disabilities, a sports complex, a mosque, a guest house, a museum, a theater, facility management and maintenance areas, and employee housing. 

Al Yafei emphasised that since its inception in 1979, the city has remained dedicated to adopting the latest practices in serving people with disabilities. This commitment involves collaborating with local and international partners, raising community awareness about their issues, and strengthening efforts for community integration to achieve optimal outcomes.

The total cost for construction and operational work in the first phase is approximately AED 173 million. The UAE president contributed AED 80 million, the Bank of Sharjah provided AED 30 million, and the city covered around AED 63 million for construction, consulting, and furnishing the buildings.

The new project features several key facilities, including an administration building and a library designed for students and researchers, offering an environment with state-of-the-art inclusive and accessible resources and technologies. It also encompasses educational buildings for the Sharjah Autism Centre and Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, which provide specialised educational and rehabilitation services for students with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, the complex includes classrooms, life skills development rooms, treatment rooms, and open areas for play and outdoor activities catering to all ages and community groups.