FUJAIRAH // Children at a disability centre in the emirate have been learning how to wash their hands properly and celebrating the role of elderly people.

“Working with special-needs children is an experience that will last forever,” said Jamila Al Mulla, a social worker at the Fujairah Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled.

“They are full of love and kindness and they care about you more than you care about your own self. I enjoy every moment with them.”

The hygiene session was delivered by Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday and the children enjoyed it and found it very useful.

“We try to celebrate with them in each and every international day and holiday that mainly addresses people with disabilities but we thought that it also would be a great opportunity for them to experience new knowledge at the hygiene session and by celebrating and supporting elderly people, which is part of our comprehensive care ” said Ms Al Mulla.

The centre arranged a visit for three disabled children to the kidney unit at Fujairah Hospital as part of the UN International Day of Older Persons last week.

“The purpose of this visit is to teach the children how to support elderly people and show sympathy. They distributed gifts as part of the celebration,” said Ehtisab Al Shareefi, a vocational trainer at the centre.

Amna Al Mulla, a 15-year-old girl with Down syndrome, said: “I’m happy to be here and may Allah protect them [the elderly].”

One of the patients at the kidney unit, 60-year-old Saeed Mohammad, said: “They made my day with their beautiful smiles and high spirits — I wish them all the best.”

The Fujairah Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled provides educational and therapeutic services and has individual plans that fit the needs of each child, including developing cognitive behavioural skills, self-care and communication skills.

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