Sharjah24: On Wednesday, 11 December, Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, which is part of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), held a seminar entitled “Leadership of Persons with Disabilities: Reality, Challenges, and Success Stories.” The school, in partnership with SCHS branches, held the event at the Khor Fakkan Literary Council as part of its annual celebration to honour the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, each year.
Majid Ahmed Ibrahim Al Janahi, a presenter at Dubai Radio, facilitated the initial session, titled "Leadership and Overcoming Challenges." The speakers featured Louai Saeed Ali Obaid Al Naqbi, Vice President of Khor Fakkan Club for the Disabled; Mohammed Abdullah Al Qayid, Board Member of Al Thiqah Club for the Disabled and Head of the Technical Affairs and Talent Committee; and Dr Abdullah Awad Billeth Al Hammami, a visual impairment specialist at the Ministry of Education.
Noura Ahmed Ali Miftah Al Zaabi chaired the second session, "Leadership Models from SCHS." It included speakers like Hassan Ibrahim Al Hammadi, an assistant teacher in the Special Needs Department at Al Noor International School; Falah Salah Abdullah Al Ali, a photographer at Sharjah Police Headquarters; and Khalid Taleb, a member of the production staff at the Atique Project under the SCHS's Masarat Centre for Development and Empowerment.
Dr Samia Mohammed Saleh, principal of Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, emphasised this year’s theme, “Promoting Leadership for Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future."
She highlighted the significance of enabling individuals with disabilities to speak up for themselves, uphold their rights, and assume leadership positions.
Established in 1984, Al Wafa School for Capacity Development is the first institution in the UAE to focus on intellectual disabilities. It offers services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders through the use of advanced techniques and methods.
SCHS provides support to 1,143 individuals with disabilities during the 2024-2025 academic year. The mission focuses on inclusion, empowerment, advocacy, and education, drawing from global best practices.
The SCHS branches organised a range of events to commemorate the occasion. The Kalba branch presented awareness videos and conducted a recreational session for parents, while the Al Dhaid branch organised a "Junior Players" program that included students from centres throughout the UAE. The festivities wrapped up with a “Challenge Race,” featuring cultural and recreational competitions for SCHS students.
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