The playground is covered with toys and has cartoon character painted across the walls, while the bright classrooms are filled with happy kids working on various projects.
Welcome to the Special Care Centre, which has been providing education to intellectually and physically challenged children in Abu Dhabi since 1989. Currently there are 65 kids aged between three and 24, from 14 nations who attend classes; however a whopping 140 remain on the waiting list. Nisha, the principal, tells us they are currently fundraising in the hope of building a new and bigger centre one day to accommodate up to 400 children.
As soon as we arrive we begin to understand why so many Abu Dhabi residents have kept the place close to their hearts and supported it since it opened. Nisha ushers us to her office, past walls laden with art projects and decorations all made by the kids. Housed in a large villa the place feels like it’s bursting with lots of creativity and genuine glee. In Nisha’s office we chat while various teachers and pupils arrive to say hi. Two senior girls come in to show us their craftwork, wooden clothes pegs intricately decorated and turned into unique fridge magnets. As we compliment them on their handwork their pride is obvious.
We meet Anu, a volunteer who has been helping out for the past 12 years. Although a postgraduate in English, she is now a very contented classroom assistant. She explains that her jobs are perparing the teaching equipment, helping in the classroom and, her favourite, teaching dance classes. Initially Anu came to the centre because she felt she wanted to give something back to the community in which she lived, but she says that quickly passed and for the past 12 years it’s been a huge and vibrant part of her life in Abu Dhabi. She believes dedication is the most important attribute in volunteers and that people shouldn’t join if they can’t guarantee their time.
‘The children and teachers come to rely on having you there and not only plan for it but also look forward to it, so if you can’t ensure you’ll be here, it lets everyone down.’ She believes even an hour a week spent at the centre would not only help the school but change the life of the volunteer.
The centre teaches a specially designed curriculum, focusing on functional life skills. The methods are based on cognitive play and therapeutic assistance and is offered through various therapies such as speech, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and music, art and crafts.
We are guided through the school by Nisha, meeting everyone from the tiny foundation class to the senior boys and girls. She tells us many of the kids, although in the same class, work on different projects depending on their capabilities – another reason why classroom assistants are so essential. Everyone is very interested in meeting TOAD and while some kids offer formal handshakes others demand some serious hugs.
It begins to dawn on us this might be a really positive place to spend a little more time.
Upstairs in the art class we meet 30-year-old Mariam, who is not only an inspiring woman but possibly the poster girl for the centre’s mission. Having spent eight years as a student at Special Care Centre, she returned to Pakistan to complete her studies in art. Now back in Abu Dhabi for the past three years, not only is she married with two kids but she’s working full time as an art teacher. Although she has a severe hearing impediment, she says she has no issues teaching the kids and feels her greatest pleasure is watching the children gain skills and develop in their work.
The Special Care Centre is deeply embedded in Abu Dhabi culture. They receive many donations from conventional schools around the city. Many of the city’s hotels work with the centre either by raising money, helping with fundraising opportunities and donating their facilities for the children’s use.
The kids also make craft items which are then sold to raise funds. This autumn the school will be selling gifts and cards from the centre at the Dragon Boat race on October 5 and 6 and also at the Swiss Bazaar later in the year.
In addition to the stall there will be kids, teachers and volunteers around to talk about the work the school does, so why not pop in and see them?
If you would like to volunteer the school actively needs you. Currently they are seeking people to help in many of the classrooms, with swimming, music, art and activities.
To help build the new school SMS Brick to 9050 (Etisalat) or 9100 (Du). Each SMS will donate Dhs5 to the building project. Special Care Centre, www.good-heart.org (02 641 8418).
