Watch! Autism, Coffee, Schools and ADEK – the inspirational story of making a difference in the UAE
This video (below), published by ADEK, brought such a smile that we think it is worth sharing – and the initiative celebrated. It is part of a wonderful, on-going story, that deserves to be told.
It follows from our news story last week exploring how the Abu Dhabi Department of Education (ADEK), the Abu Dhabi schools regulator, is creating employment opportunities for students of determination, including those with autism, through its hospitality training programme at Al Karamah Training Institute, which can be found within Al Karamah School in Abu Dhabi.
Here you will also find a very special branch of the much loved coffee house Il Caffè Di Roma which we think deserves all our support. Here you will find autistic students who have developed skills in hospitality that make the venue absolutely sparkle with service, professionalism and care. As students graduate, career opportunities are being opened up across all Il Caffé Di Roma branches – something we think deserves significant credit.
You can visit the café from 8:00am to 10:00pm every day.
The Video: We are on a Mission…
The new coffee shop was officially inaugurated on Wednesday in a special event attended by HE Amer Hussain Mohamed Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and Hamed Al Hamed, franchise owner of Il Caffé Di Roma in Abu Dhabi.
The Background Story – ADEK changing the world one step at a time…
Al Karamah School is the UAE’s first school dedicated to children with Autism.
H.E. Sara Musallam, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
H.E. Sara Musallam, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) said of the school:
“We are delighted and immensely proud to support the opening of the UAE’s first school dedicated to the needs of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We firmly believe that every child deserves to be given the opportunity and necessary tools to learn and succeed in their chosen path. Al Karamah School offers unprecedented levels of specialised teaching and expertise and correlates with our vision to provide world-class education that supports all learners.
The school has been carefully designed to provide an intimate and engaging learning environment, while ensuring pupils feel safe and secure. This includes special classroom ‘hubs’, a multi-purpose hall and dining room, and a large oasis-style garden.
Key features of the school’s educational programme include small class sizes to ensure each child can be provided with the individual support needed to help them succeed – and the ability to look beyond standard approaches to deliver bespoke packages and a holistic approach to education, developing social needs, self-esteem and confidence.”
Where next – the future shines bright…
HE Amer Hussain Mohamed Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), said:
“This is a major step forward in Al Karamah Training Institute’s goal to empower Students of Determination with future pathways for independent living and employment opportunities.”
Hamed Al Hamed, Franchise Owner of Il Caffé Di Roma in Abu Dhabi, confirmed:
“This is a tremendous opportunity to put inclusion into action beyond education.”
ADEK opened AKTI, a vocational training centre for people of determination who graduate from Al Karamah School, in April 2021. Its aim is to provide various industry training pathways via strategic partnerships with entities offering professional training in eight key industries linked to the UAE’s future human capital needs, including electronics and robotics, hydroponics and aeroponics, culinary and hospitality, creative arts, business administration, print and design, gaming and e-sports and video production and editing.
You can read our original story here.
You can visit ADEK here.
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