الشارقة 24 – وام:
The City of Sharjah for Humanitarian Services is set to participate in the eighth edition of the “Expo for People of Determination 2026,” which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 19 to 21. In collaboration with Al Dhaid and Khorfakkan Universities, the city has curated a diverse programme focused on raising awareness of specialized services, professional empowerment, and inclusive arts. Visitors will also explore an interactive pavilion showcasing the city’s expertise, initiatives, publications, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at enhancing the independence of individuals with disabilities and expanding their active participation in society..
The city’s participation reaffirms its commitment to developing a comprehensive system of services and programmes that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in areas such as education, rehabilitation, early intervention, employment, and community integration. The engagement also facilitates the exchange of experiences and showcases practices that enhance service quality and improve the overall quality of life for these individuals..
The importance of this participation is amplified by the city’s extensive experience in delivering specialized services and its vision of placing the person with a disability, their capabilities, rights, and needs at the heart of planning and development. Empowerment extends beyond service provision to building opportunities that enable individuals to develop their abilities, achieve independence, and engage in various aspects of life..
The city’s programme at the expo will feature a series of activities that emphasize integrated pathways for empowerment, notably focusing on employment and inclusive arts. This reflects the broadening concept of integration, encompassing economic participation, professional independence, as well as creative expression and cultural interaction..
On the first day of the expo, the team from the Development and Empowerment Center will conduct a workshop that highlights the employment section’s services. This initiative aims to support individuals with disabilities in accessing job opportunities, enhancing their professional readiness, and aligning their skills and interests with suitable job market opportunities..
Achieving Independence and Enhancing Economic Participation
The workshop will emphasize the critical role of employment as a fundamental pathway to achieving independence and enhancing economic participation. It seeks to provide adequate support to individuals with disabilities and to educate them about services that prepare them for work and help them access opportunities that match their capabilities and potential..
On the second day, in collaboration with Al Dhaid University, the city will host an inclusive art workshop, providing a space for artistic expression, creativity, and shared interaction. This activity will underscore the role of arts in building bridges of communication and enhancing participation between individuals with disabilities and the broader community, reaffirming that integration extends beyond educational and vocational frameworks to include culture, arts, and creativity as fundamental areas of community engagement and showcasing abilities..
The pavilion of the City of Sharjah for Humanitarian Services will prominently display its pioneering role in empowering individuals with disabilities through visual and digital content, as well as informational materials. These resources will enable visitors to learn about the city’s most significant services, initiatives, and areas of operation..
The pavilion’s layout includes an interactive information mural that showcases the city’s latest accredited statistics, alongside a selection of audiovisual materials and printed informational brochures about the city’s services and programmes. It will also feature the complete publications of the “60 Seconds” series, with a dedicated area to showcase products from “Takween,” allowing visitors to explore some outcomes of employment and production within its service framework..
Experience Exchange and Exploring Collaboration Opportunities
Ms. Mona Abdulkarim Al Yafooi, Director-General of the City of Sharjah for Humanitarian Services, stated that the “Expo for People of Determination” serves as an important platform for widening collaboration between organizations working in the disability field, universities, government entities, service providers, solution developers, and private sector institutions. This facilitates the exchange of experiences and the exploration of cooperation opportunities to enhance inclusive services and practices..
Al Yafooi added that participation allows for direct communication with participating experts and showcases practical experiences, providing insights into solutions and practices that can contribute to improving services and enhancing opportunities in education, rehabilitation, employment, and integration..
She emphasized that the city’s participation aligns with the themes of the eighth edition of the expo, which include education, training, employment, digital solutions, assistive technology, independent living, arts, youth empowerment, and workplace integration. These areas intersect with the city’s interests, expertise, and targeted programmes for individuals with disabilities..