Determined youth walk the ramp in Dubai

Children practise during the rehearsal at Jumeirah Primary School for the second annual FAME event - which will see youngsters of determination walk the ramp. - Photo by Leslie Pableo

Watching children and young adults of determination rehearsing to walk the ramp for the second annual FAME event (the closing programme for the Dubai AccessAbilities Expo) was both a heart-warming and sobering experience. Despite the challenges they face on a daily basis, their obvious enthusiasm for the upcoming show was infectious.
"These kids have to be stimulated," said Rosy Ahmed, who conceptualised and founded FAME (which stands for Fashion, Art, Music, and Entertainment), a non-profit, inclusive platform for the differently-abled community.
"With love and attention and a little bit of a push, they can be really good. Each one has different issues but you see a difference when you love them, when they know they can feel comfortable with you. But if you are harsh with them, or scared of them and you don't want to be near them, they can sense it," she told Khaleej Times at a show rehearsal in Jumeirah Primary School.
A total of 38 talented young people of determination are participating in the event, and Rosy revealed what the audience can expect from the show.
"There's a fashion show. Then, Mahaweb from Beautiful People art studio, which is attended by a lot of our models, is providing artwork for us, which will be displayed at the back of the stage for everyone to see. There's artwork from my daughter Hana (who has Down Syndrome) as well. I have five singers and two keyboardists. A nine-year-old girl from the dwarfism society is coming to do a poetry reading - her poetry is amazing. We have two dance groups - from Rashid Centre for the Disabled, and Step Up Academy. We also have UK-based singer Navin Kundra performing. And then we end up with a huge disco -  a dance-off."
Rosy explained how her own differently abled child inspired her to set up FAME. "We were just chatting as a family and I thought why not make a platform for these children and young adults. I've seen them in action, singing, dancing; I've been to loads of little shows and fairs, they are absolutely brilliant. And I thought, people should see them, people should notice them."
She is happy with the positive changes in the UAE with regards to people of determination and said she wants to make "as much noise as possible" with this show.
"I just want to get the word out there that, please, if you want to know anything about people of determination, give these youngsters a chance. You'll see where it leads you. Come to the show." Today's FAME event, being held at Hall 5, Dubai World Trade Centre from 7:30-10pm, is open to the public and free to attend. Doors open at 6:45pm.

Meet some FAME participants with a message for you