ERC implements Sheikha Fatima's seventh development project in Aden for rebuilding centres for children with special needs

ABU DHABI, 15th January, 2016 (WAM) – The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has completed restoration and rehabilitation of a number of societies for the care of children with special needs in the Governorate of Aden. The project, the seventh in a package of 15 vital development projects being implemented as per directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU) and of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC) and Honorary Chairwoman of the ERC, to build capacities and improve delivery of basic services in Yemen, covered the New Dawn Society for Disabled Children, Aden Autistic Children Society and Hayat Society for Early Intervention. The ERC's plan included rebuilding these facilities, recreational and play areas, indoor and outdoor gardens, equipping them with furniture and learning assistive technology for persons with disabilities, and providing children with food assistance. Brigadier Aidrous Al Zubaidi, Governor of Aden, said that these projects, particularly those targeting persons with special needs, being implemented under the initiatives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima in Aden, were well received and appreciated by both authorities and members of the public. Al Zubaidi expressed his appreciation to the UAE, represented by the ERC, for rebuilding the lives of people in Aden following the devastation perpetrated by the Houthi-Saleh militias. Abeer Al Yousifi, Chairperson of Aden Autistic Children Society, said Sheikha Fatima's significant support would play a vital role in the progress of work and development of autistic children's skills and capabilities. Sheikha Fatima's initiative was immensely appreciated by officials and parents of beneficiary children given the fact that these institutions have been out of service for long periods as they faced tremendous challenges under the current circumstance in Yemen to provide services to children. The ERC has swiftly responded to appeals made by the local community to rebuild these facilities. Sheikha Fatima has directed the ERC to undertake several development projects in Yemen to improve services in health, educational, water, and electricity sectors, mother and child care as well as other humanitarian projects for persons with disabilities.