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

Dubai - A total of 38 talented young people of determination are participating in the event.

By Enid Parker

Published: Wed 8 Nov 2017, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Thu 9 Nov 2017, 12:27 AM

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

Hana Ahmed, 21
Hana told us she's "really excited" to be walking the ramp for the FAME event in two different outfits - a T-shirt with a powerful message to raise awareness, and an elegant formal designer dress.
I love Bollywood music, painting and fashion," she said, shyly adding that she was happy to have created the artwork for the FAME poster this year.
At the fashion show rehearsal held in Jumeirah Primary School, Hana animatedly struck quite a few 'model' poses, impressing our photographer with her confidence, which was perhaps inspired by a Grammy-winning performer she loves, Beyonce!
Kieran Carter, 16
"I'll be wearing a white shirt, waistcoat and black trousers on the ramp - I'm thrilled to be on the catwalk with my new clothes," said a beaming Kieran (a student of Dubai Centre for Special Needs). Posing enthusiastically for our photographer, Kieran also revealed an interest in football. His favourite team is Liverpool, who "beat West Ham 4-1 on Saturday", he said with full excitement. When we asked about his favourite singer, he said he loved Ed Sheeran's songs (especially the British troubadour's megahit Shape of You) and hoped to attend his concert in Dubai even though "tickets are sold out."
Andreas de Haes, 20
Andreas, who will provide the music for FAME's fashion show, impressed us with an impromptu DJ set, as he spoke of his love for "perfecting transitions - matching beats as you go from one tune to the next."
"Three to four years ago I got my first DJ set and am self-taught, having learned the art through YouTube tutorials. I was trying out things and messing around, and realised you learn from your failures," he revealed. He added that he played at a club in his home country of Belgium recently and received an 'amazing' response. Will Andreas take the world of dance music by storm? Wait and watch!
enid@khaleejtimes.com