Centre to craft children’s skillsGulf
Daily News –
By.Dalal Al Alawi
A NEW BD28,800 handicraft workshop and computer laboratory was opened at the Al Rashad Centre for Autistic Children in Saar yesterday, aimed at equipping the youngsters with new skills.
Al Rashad, established in the year 2000, is run under the umbrella of the Al Wafa Centre and caters to youngsters aged 12 to 21.
The new block is made up of two workshops, one for handicrafts and carpentry and the other a computer lab, said administrative supervisor Hajer Kazerooni.
The computer lab was donated by the Arcapita Bank and the other workshop by the family of the late philanthropist Aisha Yateem.
The furnishing has been donated by the Rotaract Club of Manama/Salmaniya, sponsored by Bahrain National Insurance.
“At the moment we have 15 students at the centre, which can cater to 20 students,” said Ms Kazerooni.
“The main aim of the centre is to teach the autistic youngsters skills that could help them find careers.
“Our main activity is teaching them gardening and the new centre will add more of a variety.”
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of National Establishment for the Disabled board of trustees council chairman Shaikh Daij bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and was attended by officials, sponsors and other guests.
Centre administration board head Farida Almoayyed said the opening of the centre came as part of their goal to provide modern and developed educational and rehabilitation services for those with special needs.
“We continuously organise seminars, lectures and workshops aimed at developing the skills of teachers at the centre to provide the right tools to improve the performances of students and their parents,” she said.
“All of our accomplishments would have not been possible without the support of well-wishers and organisations that are concerned with the welfare of the community.”
