McDonald’s offers on-the-job training for students with special needs

MUSCAT: Two young students with special needs are getting a taste of what it is like to be part of a real working environment as on-the-job trainees.

Both Khizar Mirza (21) and Shraddha Salunka (19) are doing a three-month internship at McDonald’s Qurum outlet and they are thrilled beyond words.

Pramod Prassana Kumar, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor at the Center for Special Education, said, “We do all we can to empower our students to live normal and independent lives as every other student.”

“It is very important that we are vigilant in our efforts to provide work experiences and opportunities for improved employment outcomes for our youth with special needs.”

The counsellor explained: “At first it was difficult to find placements for these students. We really appreciate the kind and magnanimous gesture by McDonald’s to allow our students to work at their Qurum outlet.”

The counsellor added: “The work opportunity at McDonald’s will help our students to become independent and develop their social skills, work behaviour, improve their communication skills, teamwork and interaction with people”.

One of the trainee’s mothers, Seema Salunka, commented: “It fills me with pride and joy to see my daughter working at McDonald’s. It is a fantastic idea to give them a chance to undergo this instore training twice a week. The much-needed exposure will help develop their confidence. As a mother, I am grateful to the school and to McDonald’s for giving our children such a great opportunity.”