UAE-based Al Noor Training Centre has launched the Child Sponsorship Programme, which will contribute towards making of a life of a special needs child.

A special needs child is any child who might need some extra assistance emotionally, cognitively and physically.  A child who has needs which other children do not typically need or only need once in a while, said a statement.

Through the programme, the public can make monthly or yearly contribution that will guarantee a sponsored child all the benefits and support that can dramatically change his or her life, it said.

The centre accommodates 270 children from 35 different nationalities of varied income backgrounds.

However the statistics of the income background is stark. More than 25 per cent of the families are unable to pay the highly subsidised fee due to financial challenges.

The annual cost of training a child is about Dh65,000 ($17,696), but the fees charged is set at Dh40,000, which is nearly 40 per cent subsidy on the total cost of training. The subsidy of Dh25,000 offered to all children, accrues to the already existing deficit.
Being a non-profit organisation, fundraising is an ongoing requirement for Al Noor to cover the operational cost of the centre.

The categories of sponsorship are Dh65,000 for comprehensive (full) sponsorship (covers tuition fees + subsidy), Dh40,000 for tuition fees sponsorship and Dh25,000 for subsidy sponsorship.

The programme includes holistic training through a range of professional disciplines - special education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological services, IT, vocational training, assistive technology, sports, music, arts and craft.

Isphana Al Khatib, director, has appealed to social citizens to take up the noble cause and said: “Sponsoring a child is a social investment, through which one ensures that special needs children, not only receive love and encouragement, but are appropriately trained, educated and empowered to positively impact society.”

Al Noor seeks the support of individuals and corporates to come forward and partner with them in its mission of providing quality professional training to children with special needs through the Child Sponsorship Programme which will enable them to realise their full potential in society. - TradeArabia News Service