Launched in September to coincide with the start of the new academic year, the specialised educational initiative aims to strengthen community and institutional awareness of learning difficulties and to equip teachers, educational staff and families with scientific tools to support students and to promote their right to learning and full inclusion.

During the campaign’s first month, the centre conducted a series of field visits to the Emirates Association for Social Development in Ras Al Khaimah, Tareem American Private School, Sharjah Holy Quran and Sunnah Institute, Al Rahmaniya Early Childhood Centre, and the Sharjah Police Science Academy.

Interactive tools and consultation platforms

The campaign includes field visits to the Learning Difficulties Simulation Lab, which offers teachers and parents a practical insight into the cognitive and sensory challenges students may encounter in their daily lives.

It also includes in-person and digital consultation platforms that offer free individual guidance to parents and school staff, supported by community and media outreach and educational awareness programmes targeting different segments of society.

Sustaining impact and empowerment

Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, said the campaign’s ongoing awareness and training activities demonstrate Sharjah’s commitment to social justice, equal educational opportunities and the empowerment of individuals.

Sheikha Jameela stressed that learning difficulties are a shared community issue requiring early identification, precise scientific intervention and coordinated roles among families, educational institutions and government entities.

She added that extending the campaign across a full academic year would strengthen community awareness and enable people with specific learning difficulties to access an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

From training to assessment

Her Excellency Dr Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Center for Learning Difficulties, said the campaign brings together integrated pathways, beginning with teacher training and extending to direct scientific assessment.

She explained that continuing the campaign until April 2027 will enable the centre to engage with students and teachers throughout a full academic year and to measure the actual impact of its awareness and training programmes.

Dr Al Suwaidi highlighted the Learning Difficulties Simulation Lab’s role in placing teachers and parents in the student’s position, helping them develop a deeper understanding of specific learning difficulties.

She also stressed the importance of early screening for specific learning difficulties and ADHD, accurate assessment, creative-thinking training for teachers, and encouraging families to identify their children’s talents and abilities.

Specialised training programmes

The campaign includes specialised, intensive awareness programmes on specific learning difficulties, aimed at training teachers and specialists in the latest educational intervention methods, alongside regular dialogue sessions that bring together academics and parents.

The initiative also coincides with October’s Dyslexia Awareness Week and global ADHD awareness month, through a series of educational and community initiatives aimed at raising awareness, deepening understanding and empowering individuals, families and the wider community to address specific learning difficulties and ADHD effectively.

Throughout the eight-month campaign, the centre will maintain a presence at major educational forums and exhibitions across the UAE, offering interactive pavilions, practical workshops and immediate consultation services.

The campaign has institutional partnerships with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Sharjah Social Services Department, the Sharjah Education Academy, the Sharjah Police Science Academy, and the Mouza bint Suhail Centre for Exceptional Children, and receives support from several sponsors and partners.