The Zayed Foundation for People of Determination continues its commitment to empowering its members through a certified professional program that offers participants a Level II certificate in general job readiness skills. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the National Qualifications Center, as well as the Ministries of Higher Education and Family.
The foundation has announced the launch of the first practical phase of the program, titled “Employment Program and Career Opportunities Framework for People of Determination,” with participation from 83 trainees with mild intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. This effort involves six key organizations across eight sectors, including:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Strata Company, Aldar Group, Louvre Abu Dhabi, a local library, and Sela Company, complemented by community partners that provide inclusive work environments for trainees to apply their skills and gain practical experience.
Moreover, the program spans six months and comprises 615 training hours distributed across 20 educational units. These units cover diverse topics such as hospitality, handicrafts, printing, design and sewing, woodworking, cooking, and agriculture, culminating in a nationally recognized certificate that qualifies graduates for various professional avenues or the initiation of their own businesses.
<p Abdullah Al-Humaidan, the general director of the foundation, emphasized that the launch of the program's practical phase signifies a transformative shift from classroom learning to practical application in real-world settings. He stated that "true empowerment begins when we provide our youth the chance to showcase their capabilities in the field."