Latest news with #ArabDeafWeek
Hi Dubai
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Community Development Authority Signs Agreement to Empower People of Determination
Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Maseer Initiatives, aiming to enhance inclusion and community engagement for People of Determination through cultural and awareness-driven programmes. The agreement, signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, focuses on strengthening institutional partnerships to foster empowerment and social cohesion. Her Excellency Maitha Mohammed Al Shamsi, CEO of the Social Empowerment Sector at CDA, and Her Excellency Budoor Saeed Al Raqbani, Director General of Maseer Initiatives, formalised the partnership in a ceremony attended by representatives from various government and community bodies. Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of CDA, said the partnership aligns with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which prioritises the inclusion of all social groups. 'This collaboration represents a powerful model for community empowerment,' she noted. The MoU outlines joint efforts to develop and implement a series of cultural and knowledge-based initiatives, including public awareness events such as Arab Deaf Week, artistic showcases, and inclusive dialogue sessions. These initiatives are designed to highlight the contributions of People of Determination and promote a more inclusive society. Her Excellency Budoor Al Raqbani added that the partnership will help position People of Determination as active voices in cultural and social discussions, reinforcing their roles as leaders and creators. The initiative marks a significant step in supporting Dubai's broader vision of social justice, sustainable development, and community-driven impact. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Sharjah 24
22-04-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Al Amal School for the Deaf marks 50th Arab Deaf Week
Purpose and focus of Arab Deaf Week Arab Deaf Week is a media- and rights-focused platform that raises awareness about deafness prevention, the rights and capacities of deaf people, and the various issues they encounter. Origins of observance The observance was founded on proposals from the Arab Federation's Second Congress for Organisations Working with the Deaf, which took place in Damascus from April 24 to 26, 1974; each year, Arab institutions collaborate with the Federation to celebrate a shared topic. AI for inclusive education According to Afaf Al Haridi, Director of the Al-Amal School for the Deaf, technology can improve communication and expand opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. He also believes that incorporating artificial intelligence into education will make classrooms more inclusive. Municipal partnership and awareness In conjunction with Sharjah Municipality, the school lighted the municipality's headquarters in blue, representing the deaf population, and hosted cultural and recreational activities on its grounds. Mental Arithmetic Competition In the presence of Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and Eng. Tariq Al Hammadi, Director of Care and Activities at the Sharjah Private Education Authority, 30 students (16 from Al-Amal) took part in a mental arithmetic competition organised by the Smart Brain Global Mental Arithmetic Centre. The event concluded with an award ceremony. Workshops and educational lectures The school hosted a workshop on sign language and deaf rights at Khor Fakkan University and collaborated with Al-Kamal School to offer a lecture titled "The Importance of Language in Communication", which included both sign language and English. Digital safety and bilingualism discussion Sharjah schools received a digital security course from e-safety ambassadors. Additionally, the school organised multilingual media conversations with deaf kids, parents, and professionals. Institutional profile Al-Amal School for the Deaf, established in 1979 (with kindergarten opening in 1983), is licensed by the Sharjah Private Education Authority and follows the Ministry of Education curriculum from kindergarten to Year 12. Learning environments and facilities The school aspires to create an excellent learning environment by applying new technology to build twenty-first-century abilities, utilising the UAE's latest educational and administrative systems, and attaining excellence via top-tier staff and cutting-edge facilities. Curriculum and support services The educational programme includes the Ministry of Education curriculum for all stages and the AEPS assessment, measurement, and programming scheme for kindergarten. Therapeutic services include speech and language therapy, music therapy, and physiotherapy. Additional support includes hearing aid monitoring, evaluation, and consultation; psychological, health, and medical services; as well as sports, music, art, and recreational outings. Milestones in deaf education Vice-Principal Hanan Zaki noted that Al-Amal was the first UAE school for deaf students to implement the ministry curriculum in 1981 and has since graduated deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils to university. It was also the first national school for the hearing impaired to earn Microsoft Model School accreditation for eight consecutive years. Awards and accolades Since joining UNESCO Associated Schools in 2016, Al-Amal has received numerous awards, including the Khalifa Award for Educational Innovation, Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, Sharjah Sustainability Award, Haya Award for Special Education, Aoun Award for Community Services, and Bett Asia Award. Additionally, students have won accolades such as the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, the UCMAS competition in Cambodia, and the Reading Challenge.
