Sharjah: Sharjah International City for Humanitarian Services has launched its 28th edition of the Al Amal Camp to support children with disabilities. The opening event took place on the 18th of December at The Cultural Palace at the Cultural Centre in Sharjah, and concluded on the 23rd of December 2017.

This year’s camp included delegations from Gulf countries in addition to guest delegations from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The week-long camp aimed to support children with disabilities to join in with community activities and focused on acceptance through events that develop their social skills. The first day of the event opened with a flag-raising ceremony and a sight-seeing tour around Sharjah for the children, with a visit to Al Qasba. The second day involved a trip to Creek Park, Dubai Dolphinarium, and Dubai Parks.

Sheikha Jameela Bint Mohammed Al Qassimi, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Al Amal Camp, said: “Our theme this year was ‘We are all responsible,’ because the reality is that we all must make sure that children with disabilities are treated equally and feel they are a part of society.”

She added, “We aim to encourage the children to achieve their potential without fear and with the belief that they can do so. The development of the children’s social skills is important because it builds confidence and helps them reach their goals.”

The third day began with a series of workshops such as a Desert Group and Art Workshop by Masarat Centre and Girls Centre, a Photography Workshop by the Emirates Photography Society, and  a Scientific Workshop by the Emirates Scientific Club and the Sharjah Art Foundation. Following this, the children took a trip to the Sharjah Aquarium and Al Majaz Waterfront.

On the fourth day, a variety of activities were held at Mettala Park in collaboration with the Children’s Centre and the Girls Centre, after which the children enjoyed lunch at the Oceanic Hotel Khorfakkan. After this, they visited the Bird of Prey Centre in Kalba.

The fifth day saw a trip to Mega Mall Sharjah and a challenge race, and the final day involved taking the children on a trip to the Desert Park in collaboration with Arabia’s Wildlife Centre and the Sharjah Natural History Museum.

Al Amal Camp is under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The camp supports children with disabilities, providing interactive and cultural activities in addition to entertainment programmes and workshops that allow them to learn and play in their own time; 90 children from the participating countries were served by 200 volunteers, who ensured that they were comfortable during this camp.