Al Ain Zoo launches video competition for individuals with special needs

Al Ain Zoo is to hold a video competition for individuals with special needs, starting from tomorrow, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior Centres for the Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Special Needs, aimed at training and employing qualified UAE Nationals. Individuals are encouraged to explore the zoo and get creative by taking videos of Al Ain Zoo exhibits, landscapes, and more during the competition which will run until April 30th. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, commented, "Al Ain Zoo has worked closely with the Ministry of Interior Centres for the Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Special Needs to launch this competition, which will facilitate engagement in the various programmes offered at the zoo. As part of our ongoing commitment to support individuals with special needs, Al Ain Zoo is consistently collaborating with various organisations to develop the skills sets of these individuals, and to encourage continued integration. In fact, we have already welcomed a number of trainees as full-time employees due to their impressive skills, who are now an essential part of Al Ain Zoo's career development programme." The videos must be between two and five minutes in length, and must showcase the zoo's exhibits or landscapes. A jury from the zoo is set to review entries and announce a winner on 1st May, 2014, who will receive a cash prize of Dh 5,000. Al Ain Zoo is dedicated to training and employing qualified UAE nationals with special needs. As part of the ongoing agreement with Ministry of Interior Centres for the Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Special Needs, a number of trainees have been welcomed and became full-time employees at Al Ain Zoo, and are now an essential part in the design and development of its career development programme. – Emirates News Agency, WAM