2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Renad Academy, part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), in collaboration with Al Shaqab, organised its annual Family Fun Day under the theme ‘Acceptance is an action’. The event, held in Al Shaqab’s indoor arena at Education City, saw wide participation from community members and families of children with autism. The event was held as part of the global observance of World Autism Awareness Day, which was adopted following a proposal submitted by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, to the United Nations in 2007.
The proposal was unanimously approved by the UN General Assembly, and the day was officially observed for the first time on April 2, 2008. The event brought together more than 25 local entities, including various Qatar Foundation entities such as Renad Academy, Awsaj Academy, The Learning Center, and the Ability Friendly Program. Each participating organization offered a variety of recreational, educational, and interactive activities tailored to different age groups and abilities, all aimed at promoting inclusion and fostering community support for individuals with autism.
As part of the community partnership, Al Jazeera Perfumes dedicated 50 percent of its sales during the event to support Special Schools & SEN Services at Qatar Foundation. The event also featured multiple zones, including booths for information and hands-on experiences, sports and movement areas, a horse stable, a student performance stage, and collaborative art spaces. Haya Al-Mannai, a mother of a child with autism and a student at Renad Academy, said: “I’m grateful for an educational environment like Qatar Foundation that embraces my child’s uniqueness and supports him to be himself.
World Autism Awareness Day reminds us that inclusive education is not a privilege, it’s a fundamental right that every child should receive in order to be an active member of society.” “This day is an important occasion for us to recognize that we are part of a community that genuinely strives to understand and support individuals with autism. The event embodies this hope through its wide range of activities and interactive experiences, offering parents like us opportunities to connect with others, while giving our children a sense of belonging and appreciation.
” “I’ve seen how my son has become more engaged with those around him. Events as such help him feel accepted and confident. Even his siblings now make sure to attend with him every year, and that has significantly changed the way they interact with him at home.
“They now embrace his differences and support him with love and awareness. Their participation in this event has also increased their understanding of autism and deepened their appreciation of his unique needs and personality.” Maisara Saeed, mother of two children with autism, also shared her thoughts: “Awareness doesn’t begin and end on this day, it starts here and continues.
Anyone who chooses to learn about autism or engages with a child with autism contributes to building a more inclusive and understanding society, where everyone plays a role in embracing diversity and accepting differences.” “Like any parent on the autism journey, we faced many challenges and felt fear and uncertainty. But we came to realize that true acceptance begins within the family.
Once we embraced our children’s differences, every challenge became an opportunity.” Saeed also shared a message with families going through a similar journey: “You are not alone, there are people who support you on this path. This event is one of the most powerful examples of such support.
It gives us a sense of belonging and provides our children with a safe space to express themselves.” Observing World Autism Awareness Day, is part of a month-long series of initiatives organised by QF’s Pre-University Education. Among these was the symbolic lighting of Qatar Foundation’s headquarters in blue, led by Renad Academy in collaboration with QF schools and special needs education services.
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