Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has donated to the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism the proceeds of a charity fun run marathon, held last month as part of the airline’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has donated to the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism the proceeds of a charity fun run marathon, held last month as part of the airline’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
The donation was used to fund a special vocational arts and crafts workshop to develop the children’s abilities and provide them with the technical skills needed to become contributing members of society.
Etihad Airways also donated a substantial number of iPads to the centre to be used as teaching aids for the ‘Al Zohour’ group, comprised of children with high functioning autism. The iPads will be loaded with various programs and applications used by thecentre to develop the children’s skills and abilities.
This is the second time Etihad Airways has donated iPads to the centre as the devices have proven to be successful educational tools.
Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President of Government and Aero Political Affairs and Chairman of its Sports and Social Committee said: “Etihad Airways is committed to active participation in causes that assist people and communities across its global network and especially in its home base of Abu Dhabi.
“Every child deserves the best education possible and we are pleased to play a vital role in the development and training of autistic children, and ultimately in their integration into society.”
H.E Mohamed Fadel Al Hamli, Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, said: “I would like to extend our appreciation to Etihad Airways for its generous initiative in providing funds, iPads and other electronic equipment that will enable the centre to continue providing rehabilitative care and vocational training to children with autism.
“Etihad Airways has always been generous in supporting special needs institutes like the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre and we hope to continue working closely in the future.”
The Abu Dhabi Autism Centre was established in 2002 as part of the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs and aims to provide psychiatric and educational services to children with autism and helps integrate them in the community.
Photo captions:
1. Khaled Al Mehairbi, the airline’s Senior Vice President of Government and Aero Political Affairs and Chairman of its Sports and Social Committee with H.E Mohamed Fadel Al Hamli, Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs opened Etihad Airways’ rehabilitation unit at Abu Dhabi Autism Centre.
2. Abu Dhabi Autism Centre children having fun.
3. Etihad Airways’ pilots, Reem AL Medwahi, Etihad Airways cabin crew and Khaled Al Mehairbi, the airline’s Senior Vice President of Government and Aero Political Affairs and Chairman of its Sports and Social Committee with H.E Mohamed Fadel Al Hamli upon opening Etihad Airways’ rehabilitation unit.
4. Abu Dhabi Autism children and staff along with Etihad Airways staff.
