Future Centre course is just the job

The Future Centre for Special Needs is to begin a formal qualification programme to help pupils be more marketable to employers when they finish school.

Pupils at the Future Centre for Special Needs enjoy music lessons. Delores Johnson / The National

ABU DHABI // Every pupil at the Future Centre for Special Needs differs in their learning ability but most share a common goal, the chance to be independent and join the workforce.

From September, many will have this opportunity thanks to a new qualification programme that aims to make the pupils more marketable to employers when they finish school.

The centre has become the first in Abu Dhabi to be accredited by the education charity Asdan (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network), which promotes both personal and social development.

As well as a portfolio of work and recognised qualifications, it gives pupils a grounding in how to attain the skills needed in a workplace.

“What we are trying to do is to prepare these people to lead productive, useful lives and try to be part of society,” said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and honorary president of the Future Centre for Special Needs. “It is very important that those with special needs are prepared by the centre to get into useful employment.”

At 17 years old, Eissa Al Dhaheri feels the Asdan course will help him become more employable.

The teenager, who has autism spectrum disorder, enjoys sports, especially football.

One day he would like to play professionally – such as for his favourite team, Al Ain Football Club – or have a career in the industry.

The course, he has been told, will focus on him playing to his strengths and gaining greater independence.

The teenager would like to start a family when he is older. A job, he said, will help him to provide for his family.

Thomas McCobb, of Abu Dhabi, has an autism spectrum disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

When asked what he is most looking forward to about the course, he considers the question.

“Passing and getting a qualification,” he said with a smile.

He wants to be an actor when he leaves school.

“Like Daniel Radcliffe,” said the 15-year-old.

Confidence and creativity and expressive arts are some qualities he can learn under the Asdan course, said Christine Evans, the lead regional director for Asdan, who visited the emirate this week to help train teachers at the centre.

Asdan, said Ms Evans, can be applicable for children with very profound and complex learning needs, which includes many at the Future Centre for Special Needs.

Asdan will be offering four courses with a focus on independent living and thinking skills, and employability, said Ms Evans.

“It is about recognising everyone’s individual achievements and giving everyone the opportunity to succeed no matter at what level,” she said.

Rachel Harvey, a teacher at the school, believes that the tangible qualification that Asdan offers will encourage the students.

“I think it is so important in this day and age where employers are so focused on having some sort of certificate,” she said. “For our students to also be like their brothers and sisters and say ‘hey, I have got my exams or marks too’ and to be able to show that is so important.”