Abu Dhabi special needs pupils host workshop

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Abu Dhabi special needs pupils host workshop Young people with special needs showcased their talents, and proved that they can sustain themselves, at a two-day workshop in Abu Dhabi. Organised by Zayed Higher Organisation for special needs at Khalidiyah Palace Rotana in Abu Dhabi, the pupils held a workshop to teach people the art of jewellery making, stitching and crafting antiques. Teacher Aliya Ibrahim said: “We believe that just because they are disabled, it does not mean they have no ability. It is very important to not only make people realise that, but the students as well.” Ibrahim also hopes that the campaign will help overcome the stereotypical thinking of children with special needs. She said: “The most important part is to make the general public realise that these children can do anything. It does require a lot of training and patience but there is a lot of hidden ability in them. “Some people say that special needs children are the rubbish of the country – which is not right. We want to prove to the world that these kids are as talented as them.” During the two-day workshop, children from Zayed Higher Organisation taught people step-by-step methods on how to create jewellery, stitch an Arabic ghutra and designs for antiques. After making a bracelet with the help of Mariam Ali Awad, 20, Eleni Tsolakou, general manager of the Rotana, said: “For the first time, it is us learning from then, rather than teaching them.” Hanan Ibrahim, 25, a pupil, said the best part of the workshop was seeing other people follow her. She said: “I would start making it, and others would watch me and do as I did and then they would make the same thing. This made me feel great, I want to teach more people.” mahak@7days.ae Read the original story at: Abu Dhabi special needs pupils host workshop