Saturday, May 11, 2013
Abu Dhabi: A new factory which can employ more than 170 disabled individuals will be established within two years in the capital to offer job opportunities for people with special needs.
The memorandum of understanding between Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO) and Senaat, one of the largest industrial investment and holding companies in the UAE, was signed by Mohammad Fadil Al Hameli, deputy chairman and secretary general of ZHO, and Suhail Al Amiri, chief executive officer of Senaat.
The factory, which aims to provide social and humanitarian services, will be equipped with machines and modified in to assist workers with special needs.
Different jobs will be offered including furniture manufacturing, sewing and packing.
These jobs were chosen to match the potential of people with special needs and to meet the growing demand for high quality products made in the UAE.
“The UAE has always sought to provide necessary support to citizens regardless of their physical or mental abilities,” said Al Hameli earlier.
Around Dh6 million will be offered by Senaat to support the factory financially, in addition to the company’s expertise, which will enhance the establishment and development of the project.
“We are delighted to contribute to this project which will help in creating employment opportunities for people with special needs. The initiative came out because we believe that disabled people possess strong capabilities and great potentials that will enable them to be productive members of the society if appropriate environment was provided to them,” said Al Amiri.
The development of the special needs factory will take different stages.
The first phase will focus on sewing, packing and manufacturing wooden furniture.
It is expected that the first phase will employ nearly 250 people, including more than 170 individuals with special needs.
“ZHO has always been committed to integrated people with special needs intro productive and social life by rehabilitating them and exploiting their potential and capacities,” Al Hameli added.
Additionally, ZHO will provide that land, where the factory will be established, as well as technical specifications, consultancy services and necessary number of specialists, technicians and supervisors to manage the project and follow up its progress.
Several initiatives have been launched by institutions in the UAE to help people with disabilities to socialise, express their feelings and stay healthier.
By Sara Sabry Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
