Special needs special care

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s decision to honour outstanding workers with special needs will serve to motivate and enable them to reap more success, a top Bahraini official has said. 

“The well-deserved honouring crowns years of giving and dedication,” said Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation at the Labour and Social Development Ministry, Shaikha Aisha bint Ali Al Khalifa. 

Eight workers with special needs were honoured by HM the King during an annual ceremony held recently to honour outstanding people and those who supported the employment of differently abled people. 

The Royal honouring, Shaikh Aisha said, will boost their abilities and help them better integrate into society. “The honouring also reflects the keenness to appreciating them for being effective and influential in boosting the national economy,” she said. 

When asked about the projects implemented by the ministry in this regard, Shaikh Aisha highlighted the establishment of Disabled Services Centre “You Are Not Alone” by the Labour and Social Development Ministry. “The centre ensures care, rehabilitation and easy employment in the private sector.” 

“The ‘You Are Not Alone Centre’ has succeeded in employing 33 people, who are differently abled,” Shaikh Aisha said adding that the centre has also approached 25 enterprises for recruiting differently abled people. 

The centre, she said, also oversees the training of people with special needs in the private sector through a “Professional Empowerment” Programme.