Month: October 2011
Phone-in dangers – Gulf News Dt. 27.10.2011
Phone-in dangers
Radio stations in the UAE can play an important role in educating traffic safety to road users. After listening to various radio channels in the past few days I suggest an increased voluntary participation by radio jockeys from all prominent radio stations to talk about the importance of not using mobile phones while driving — or using it diligently with appropriate hands-free equipment. Radio stations should implement a check to not entertain a caller if he or she is not using such equipment while participating in phone-in programmes. Can the radio stations, which are doing a wonderful job in passing out useful information and entertainment to listeners, include this in their daily agenda? Could the authorities also ensure that an appropriate guideline is issued to radio stations on this subject?
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit GULF NEWS online.
Get to know Bu Tinah Island – Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011
Get to know Bu Tinah Island – Gulf News Community Report Dt 25.10.2011
You can vote it one of the new seven wonders of nature
- By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News Reader
- Published: 00:00 October 25, 2011
Off the coastline of Abu Dhabi lies a unique wonder of Nature, wild and undisturbed by human activity, Bu Tinah Island. Not many people in the UAE are familiar with this natural treasure. It is now one of the 28 official finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature, a worldwide campaign where people can nominate and vote for the seven most remarkable, awe-inspiring natural locations and features on our planet.
Bu Tinah is host to critical marine habitats. Seabirds, such as the flamingo and osprey, diverse species of dolphins and critically endangered turtles like the hawksbill, can all be found in and around the island.
The island’s waters are also home to the planet’s second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal which is globally threatened.
It is rich in biodiversity and lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, the region’s first and largest Unesco-designated marine biosphere reserve. Fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on the island, which is closed to visitors, to ensure its continued survival and protection.
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A special campaign to make Bu Tinah one of the new seven wonders of nature has been initiated by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD). People may visit http://www.vote7.com and use the “vote now” option to choose their seven wonders.
They have also organised an exhibition, which is held daily at the Abu Dhabi Corniche to create awareness about the campaign.
It is extremely interesting and informative for children and adults alike. Visitors can also vote in designated kiosks set up inside a dome-shaped replica of this natural wonder.
— The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit Gulf News online.
You may also visit my blog link Vote for Bu Tinah to read more about it in different languages and see interesting videos.
Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch
Closer Cooperation with the Local Community at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services’ Al Dhaid Branch
On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, a delegation comprised of His Excellency Colonel Ali Saif Alndas, Director of Al Dhaid Police Department, His Excellency Misbah Aajeed Ketbi, Chairman of Maliha Cultural & Sport Club and a Member of the Federal National Council—UAE, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Saif, Mayor of Maliha, His Excellency Misbah Saif Ketbi, Director of Maliha Municipal, His Excellency Rashid Mahaan, Chairman of Parents of Students in the Central Region Senate at Al Dhaid, His Excellency Saeed bin Laith Tunaiji, Member of the Parents of the Students Senate, and 9 of the parents of students at Al Dhaid Branch visited Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, in order to increase communication and cooperation with the activities of the local community in Sharjah.
During the visit, a brief introduction about the services provided at the Al Dhaid branch was conducted. Visitors then discussed their expectations for this meeting. They were provided with a tour of SCHS. At the conclusion of the visit, delegation members expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the invitation and admiration of the efforts of the administrative staff and technical support team in providing the best services for children with disabilities. They expressed their willingness to cooperate with the objectives set by the branch to increase the level of coordination with local institutions and activities taking place in the community.
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum: Knights of Determination Honor Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons Federation at the Dubai Club for Special Sports, declaring the kickoff season to be in 2011-2012. This came during the grand celebration held by the Board of Directors of the Disabled Persons’ Federation to begin the new season and honor its successful partners. The ceremony was attended by Prince Hans, District Chief of Ictn Stein, located between Switzerland and Austria and President of Foote Paul Azemmour Establishment, Ibrahim Abdul Malik, Secretary-General of the Public Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports, Khalid Cannon, Assistant Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ahmed Saad Al-Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Mohamed Mohammed Fadel Hamli, Chairperson of Disabled Persons’ Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice President of the FIA, Nassan Thani Juma, Vice President of the Disabled Persons’ Federation and Chief Executive of the Special Olympics, and Majid Osaimi, Secretary of the Federation and the host of the ceremony. The celebration began with the United Arab Emirates National Anthem followed by a blessed recitation from the Holy Quran by athlete Rashied Said. Mohammed Fadel Hamli then gave an introductory speech in which he directed his thanks to SCHS for its unlimited support of the Knights of Determination. He praised the high attendance of this event, which doubled with mention to the thought that the number of practitioners are increasing rapidly which is good for people with disabilities. Currently, over 1000 athletes are registered.
There were over 113 medals won last year, by participating in 15 foreign championships. Sharjah will host the World Games of Disability and Amputation for the first time next December. The audiences interaction with the documentary film that displays the march of success of the Knights of Determination to try to overcome the barrier of disability and raise their country’s flag in international tournaments was extraordinary. Mr. Abdullah Khalil Ahli, Head of the Deaf Committee revealed the committee’s motto. His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum launched the official website of the Disabled Persons’ Federation and honored agencies, institutions, councils, and different sports clubs for the disabled. SCHS’s 3 branches in Al Dhaid, Khorfakhan, Kalba were among honored institutions for their unlimited cooperation with the federation. Mr. Ahmed Al Hamadi, Head of SCHS’s Public Relations Department, received the honorary mention on behalf of SCHS. In addition, Mr. Fayez Fathi Badawi, a Teacher of Physical Education, received the honorary mention on behalf of Khorfakhan and Kalba branches. As for Al Dhaid branch, it was received by Mr. Amer Ahmed Ibrahim, a Physical Education Teacher. Abdullah Saif Al Aryani, a Shooting Champion, presented a banquet of flowers to His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum on the occasion of winning the gold medal at the World Series of Shooting which concluded recently in Al Ain.
Vote for Bu Tinah campaign at Malayala Manorama online
To read it in original, please visit Malayala Manorama online
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi Visits Al Amal School for the Deaf
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi Visits Al Amal School for the Deaf
On Tuesday, October 4th, 2011, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Minister of Health and Assistant Director of Sharjah Medical Zone, visited Al Amal School for the Deaf, a school from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. He was received by Mrs. Afaf Al Haridi and a number of SCHS officials of departments. His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi confirmed that excellence or superiority should not be restricted to none disabled people. People with disabilities can create and achieve in all aspects of life. They can learn and attain the highest academic degrees if they have the appropriate conditions. The guest was introduced to the teaching methods used by teachers in Al Amal School. He witnessed how the students at Al Amal school interact with their teachers and supervisors during lessons. This was not his first visit to the school. He had the chance to see the same students who often attend Al Thiqa Club for the Handicapped. In a meeting with students and teaching staff at the school, His Excellency heard a group of requests by students. The most notably was the establishment of a special office for persons with disabilities in hospitals and health centers with workers proficient in sign language. Students emphasized the importance of providing hearing aids to those who are not able to buy them, and strengthen coordination between the ministry and SCHS through the organization through training courses in first aid as well as specific dates to visit SCHS by doctors to conduct medical exams for students. Students’ demands also included: working on the nomination of a number of professional lecturers to deliver lectures on medical awareness, providing support and care for programs of joint sports and health activities, and open jobs for people with disabilities.
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Minister of Health and Assistant Director of Sharjah Medical Zone, took notes of all these requests, he said that work will begin next week to implement as much as possible of these demands. He suggested that students formulate a special Health Committee of several students in order to coordinate with the Ministry of Health for the success of joint action. He said, “there are a number of people with disabilities working in a number of hospitals who are familiar with sign language, and we will work in the future to increase this number of staff. A number of doctors in various specialties are going to be sent to conduct free examinations for SCHS’s students, teachers, and employees in addition to organizing a number of training courses on first aid for the benefit of students and teachers”. Moreover, He confirmed the importance of continuing these activities with Al Amal School for the Deaf because of the benefits that deaf students, who deserve support and assistance, can gain from various individuals and institutions of society. At the end of the visit, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi received a souvenir as a token of love and appreciation from students, who wished for visits in the future near future. He recorded that he was very happy with his visit in SCHS’s guestbook.
American University of Sharjah (AUS) Visits Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
American University of Sharjah (AUS) Visits Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
On Tuesday, October 4th, 2011, a delegation from the Department of Community Services of Students Affairs Office of American University of Sharjah (AUS) visited Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for people with disabilities under the Director Generalship of Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, to support the activities, events and programs offered by SCHS to people with disabilities. These services correspond to AUS’s vision and objectives. H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Vice President of Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Director General of SCHS, gladly received the guests. The delegation included Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Ms. Aisha Ali, Director of Community Service Programs, and Mr. Monqith Taha, Director of the Development of Student Affairs who stressed that cooperation with SCHS is very important for AUS due to the uniqueness of this prestigious institution in the field of humanitarian and voluntary services. According to Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, seeking to sign an agreement of cooperation and partnership between SCHS and AUS to work on instilling a spirit of volunteerism in the hearts of students, who will participate in SCHS’s activities and events such as Al Amal Camp, was one primary reason for this visit. In return, students with disabilities will be allowed to participate in AUS’s activities such as the charitable marathon, hand by hand program, and international day.
The Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs quoted that “It is important for the AUS to train its students of the importance of working people with disabilities, in addition to supporting SCHS in the implementation of mobilization programs. It aims at integrating people with disabilities in the community and investing the energies and abilities of students in supporting the goals of SCHS, which focus on awareness and prevention of disability. Among the projects that will be examined and worked on in the future, is motivating the students of architecture to do their seminars on accessibility of buildings for people with disabilities in general. Also the establishment of joint exhibitions for the gifted disabled and the adoption of theatrical works that address disability issues as well as to examine the possibility of establishing an office to support people with disabilities on campus”. Dr Al Shehhi noted that “these mutual visits between SCHS and AUS have had a huge impact on the interaction of students with disabilities in being able to gain access and change conceptions about prejudices and negative misconceptions. These students, will have the positive role of acting on the issues of persons with disabilities by optimization and support through decisions which are in the best interest of the disabled and the interest of society in general”.
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services & Dubai Islamic Bank Foundation
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services & Dubai Islamic Bank Foundation
On Thursday, October 6th, 2011, H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), a nonprofit organization located in the United Arab Emirates which aims at providing advocacy, education, and empowerment for people with disabilities, and Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Bank-Foundation (DIB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support education, rehabilitation and training services provided by SCHS to people with disabilities in order to strengthen the cooperation and support of the strategic partnership between SCHS and DIB-Foundation to further enhance the support of people with disabilities and low income people eligible for Zakat. Abdul Razak Abdullah said that the signing of this agreement is the embodiment of the importance of the role of social responsibility and joint cooperation between the two parties for the best interest of people with disabilities to complete their education, training and rehabilitation. The institution will bear part of the fees prescribed for them, especially those who were unable to pay. He added that the signing of the memorandum of understanding comes through the Foundation’s vision of the importance of cooperation with other bodies and institutions of humanitarian charities that support and help people with disabilities. It is highlighting the leading role played by Dubai Islamic Bank in serving the community citizens and residents in the UAE. Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah is proud to work with SCHS who has become renowned in providing services to people with disabilities at local, Arab, and regional levels. All staff at DIB are happy to cooperate with this prestigious organization who has a concern of educating and rehabilitating those with disabilities.
H.H Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said that the Memorandum of Understanding between SCHS and DIB-Foundation is an important step in consolidating the bonds of cooperation between the two parties to serve the community in general and persons with disabilities in particular. As the memorandum has placed the comfort of people with disabilities on top of the list of its goals. As an expression of thanks and appreciation for the constructive cooperation with SCHS, Mr. Jihad Abdel Qader, Head of SCHS’s Financial Resources Department, gave a memorial shield to Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah who received it with gratitude. Mr. Abdul Razak Abdullah was provided with a tour of Al Wafaa School for Developmental Training where he listened to a detailed explanation by Mrs. Mona Abdel Kareem, School’s Principal, on the mechanisms for the education of persons with intellectual disabilities and the methods used in educating them to further develop their abilities. It is worth mentioning that DIB-Foundation of Dubai Islamic Bank had provided financial contribution to SCHS in its Zakat campaign which was organized during the holy month of Ramadan under the slogan “We are your children ” one million AED (1,000,000) was donated to support the humanitarian services provided by SCHS to persons with disabilities of different nationalities, who are unable to cover tuition and other services such as training, rehabilitation, treatment, and counseling.
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