The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
asia9 hours ago
A flurry of activity was taking place at the sewing unit of Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, with students adding last minute touches to T-shirts, jalabiyas, handbags and murals, all in an effort to raise funds at a fashion event and auction (which took place on November 1) before Her Highness Shaikha Hind Al Qassemi, chairperson of Emirates Businesswomen Council, as well as 500 high-profile guests at the Al Noor centre in Al Barsha.
Eighteen-year-old Aarti, was busy sticking gold crystals on an off-white cream clutch bag. “I like to use bright orange beads on my dresses and handbags. I’m sure my mother would look lovely and beautiful wearing this dress with that clutch,” she said, pointing at a mauve jalabiya while lifting the off-white clutch on which she was embroidering the beadwork.
Saheer, 21, is passionate about cricket and he was happily hemming white threads that were quickly taking the shape of round balls. “That’s because stitching is fun and I would love to stitch clothes for the Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni,” he smiled sheepishly.
Al Noor has taken the initiative a step further and set up a shop to portray the talents of students. Smiles ‘n’ Stuff at the centre sells craft items that are hand-made by the students: from T-shirts and tea towels to stationery and handbags, there’s a vast array of unique items for shoppers to get their hands on. Chantal Saado, 23, who has Down’s Syndrome, was already employed at the store, and a handful of former students were paid to create products. “I love working here,” she beamed. “I would also like to be a part of the MAF Fashion initiative if I have the time,” she said, as she returned change to a customer who had picked up a tote bag.
The Al Noor centre has been providing skill-based and vocational training to students for the past three decades, with the support of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, Ruler of Dubai. Vocational training is split into four areas: carpentry, screen printing (printing logos onto T-shirts and stationery), sewing and baking (the cookies baked and sold are delicious).
Asil Attar, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Fashion is excited about making this collaboration a long-term one. “The Hands & Hearts event reflects our long-term goals, which are to empower the Al Noor students through investing in their training and supporting their development. Through this passionate collaboration, we aim to enhance their lives by enabling them to gain independence and establish career paths in an exciting retail environment,” she said.
Come January, MAF Fashion’s social responsibility programme will see the business introduce a scheme where young adults with disabilities are given the opportunity to work in a retail environment, starting on a volunteering basis but then empowered through vocational training into a full time position. “The training has already begun for them. We have been giving them objective tasks for five collections of apparel and 25 different evening bags. It’s been challenging for them but they have loved being a part of it and we have also benefitted in the process,” she added.
There is never a right or wrong for doing arts and crafts, and here these children can gain equal footing. “Although not every work will always be worthy of sale or even public display, every child can still feel a sense of worth and accomplishment at what she has created. And this self expression can become a direct link to social interaction and a very concrete way to express themselves,” Ipshana said.
As we prepared to leave the premises, the students at the centre offered plenty of smiles and hugs. Isphana concluded, “Our children have the ability and they have the capability to be active. Please give them a chance.”
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