Abu Dhabi: The integration of special needs people within the agricultural job sector has been one of the main features of this year’s Liwa Date Festival.
Established in 1994, the Zayed Agricultural Centre for Development and Rehabilitation looks to assist people with special needs by helping them find jobs in agriculture, and also helps special needs people and their families carry out their own agricultural projects to maintain a monthly income.
Through the Zayed Agricultural Centre, members enrolled in the programme are involved in an array of activities, including work on fixing agricultural products, producing organic vegetables, and landscaping.
Mohammad Mohammad Fadel Al Hameli, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organisation (ZHO), spoke of the importance in being represented in such major national events, which helps create awareness for the disabled. “ZHO is always one of the first institutions and government agencies that actively participates in national events, and has consistently participated in the Liwa Date Festival raising awareness for people with special needs. We have managed to spread useful information for the people so that they can get educated on the issue, and understand the services and activities we carry out for special needs people. This has resulted in a very positive impact with changed attitudes.”
“At this year’s festival we have on display a number of publications documenting the activities and experiences of those with special needs, including the organic products and vegetables they have helped produce through the initiative,” he added.
Al Hameli emphasised that the involvement of special needs people in all segments of society, including the field of agriculture, is an integral part of the organisation’s mission, “We have launched several initiatives as part of a national project of integration, and this is one of the most important initiatives for us. Through this project we seek to integrate people with disabilities in all sectors of society, through education and rehabilitation services.” He said.
With the large number of visitors coming to this year’s festival, it allows for direct interaction between members of the public and the organisation without any barriers Al Hameli said, saying it’s important for people to be able to directly approach such organisations.
