SCLD to launch its comprehensive national campaign Sep-Dec

The campaign will begin in September with prominent events, including participation in the Government Communication Forum, with October being dedicated to raising awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The campaign follows a comprehensive and gradual approach, based on key pillars, including intensive field visits to educational and government institutions across all emirates. It will also utilize innovative awareness programs and tools, such as the Learning Difficulties Simulation Lab and the introduction of the Integrated Guide to Integrated Services for Learning Difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The campaign also includes specialized training workshops for educational staff and guidance sessions for families, supported by extensive media coverage through television interviews, and a comprehensive digital campaign broadcasting weekly educational videos and publishing inspiring stories for parents and students to support the initiative's humanitarian mission.

In-depth perspective on advocacy and empowerment

Dr Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Center for Learning Difficulties, emphasized that the campaign embodies the center's comprehensive vision for advocacy and empowerment, aiming to bring about a radical shift in society's perception and approach to learning difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She explained that the center's vision is focused on viewing learning difficulties and ADHD as obstacles that can be overcome through the provision of appropriate programs and proper support. She emphasized the fundamental right of every student to learn within an educational environment that is appropriate and suited to their abilities and energies, and that unleashes their latent creative potential. She emphasized that early detection is the key to the true success of any educational and rehabilitation program or intervention.

Dr Al Suwaidi pointed out that the campaign seeks to establish the concept of actual empowerment rather than traditional care, explaining that the goal is to empower students with learning difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to become active and influential members of society, contributing their creativity and energy to comprehensive development. She emphasized the importance of training teachers to think creatively beyond traditional frameworks and encouraging families to uncover special talents and abilities that may be hidden behind difficulties. She also noted that the success of the awareness campaign depends on strategic partnerships and generous support from sponsors and collaborators, which constitutes a real addition to awareness efforts and leaves a positive and sustainable educational footprint in the UAE.

Creative programs and collaborative alliances

The campaign includes innovative and unique initiatives, including the "Pulse of Learning Podcast," excerpts of which are published weekly, and the launch of "Sharjah Center for Learning Difficulties Characters," part of a broad digital campaign across social media platforms. The campaign provides awareness content in simple, comprehensive language, featuring real-life stories and short videos about the success stories of students who have overcome challenges and demonstrated their great potential with appropriate support.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) awareness activities during the month of October include the placement of awareness posters in prominent locations. In collaboration with the House of Wisdom, the Manuscript Monument will be illuminated in orange throughout the month, the primary color used to raise awareness about ADHD. The "Integrated Guide to Integrated Services for Learning Difficulties and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" is a key scientific reference for members of the community.

The campaign's list of government and community partners includes the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Department of Social Services, and the Sharjah Education Academy. The campaign also receives key support from sponsors: the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Sharjah Cooperative Society, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Media City “Shams”, and Dragon Oil.