Well, I am playing with words here, but I am ashamed to say that I have been in the UAE for few years now, and today was the only day I go to a function by children of special needs. Of course the most moving scene was when they brought the little ones who are handicapped and carried the flag for the national anthem; I couldn’t keep myself from crying, as I cannot imagine living like one of these kids. The mood changed a bit when they started to do the shows, the fashion shows, and display the products that they made to sell in their newly opened cafe. The stuff these kids make vary between wooden stuff, bags, cloths, baked products and knickknacks that could be used by the largest company for their corporate gifts and at the same time the corporate responsibility is maintained. All of us business people put aside a large sum of money to buy memorabilia that is utterly useless, and the funds go in the pockets of other businesses, of course all businesses deserve to survive, I am not asking that all our corporate gifts' money should be spent in the special needs kids, as they may be slow and we dont want to use them as memorabilia machines either. But some of the money need to go there as the schools are mostly self funded and not for profit.
I would also like to add, that at least one of our coffee mornings a week should be spent in the special needs cafe, the money will be used for a good cause and we will also have fun at the same time. Why do we always think that someone will do something for these kids, rather than thinking that "I" will do something for these kids? we all possess a profession that we can teach these kids, we all have a special talent that we can transfer to those kids, or to the teachers that spend hours trying to teach these kids to make them feel useful.
I would like whoever is reading this blog to think a bit, and not to feel shy, my friend who is the fund raiser feels shy to ask for the money, but from today I will not feel shy nor should anyone else feels shy, I will ask each and every one of us, to spend at least one hour a month spreading their talent to "THE KIDS WITH NO NATIONALITIES WHO NEED OUR SPECIAL ATTENTION"
Think globally … act locally!
ReplyDeleteIt’s nice to hear that there is an increasing recognition and acknowledgment of children with special needs within society although, it is still a struggle. Educating those who have the means to help is key. The younger one is exposed to such realities the more acceptance will foster within peoples’ hearts. My first encounter with someone with special needs was when I was 9 years old. The girl was my friend’s sister … at least 4 – 5 years my senior. I was prepared for the encounter and my simple questions about Down syndrome were answered … but I can’t say I wasn’t scared or nervous. I had no idea what to expect! When it was all over though, I figures…well, that wasn’t so bad! We’re now friends and it feels great to put a smile on her face! Kids need to get involved in such projects not just adults who happen to have an open mind despite not being exposed to those with special needs as youngsters.
Where is this new café? I’d certainly like to visit.
dont worry mama if they touch my sisters they will have me and my six friends to answer to, my fists, my elbows and my knees.
ReplyDeletep.s. change your picture :p
the cafe is at the school itself. and the school is between two roads exactly facing almawakeb school in albarsha. if you want to go call me and we will go together, i need to show the kids how to make their own facebook accounts.
ReplyDeleteJuju, who is going to touch your sisters? did i say that in the above blog? i like this picture.