Open day for children affected by Down syndrome organised

MUSCAT: The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp)’s ‘collaboration team’ organised an open day for children affected by Down syndrome.

The open day event titled was held in association with Ministry of Social Development’s Al Aman Rehabilitation Centre to mark World Down Syndrome Day annually observed on March 21 to raise public awareness on Down syndrome, a congenital disorder. Thirty children affected by Down syndrome participated in the open day which included various activities and performances enacted by them.

The ‘collaboration team’ comprises a group of employees of ZCorp and its subsidiaries who participate in community initiatives, which are planned and conducted by them. The ‘collaboration team’ undertakes projects that bring to focus Z-Corp’s continued and evolving socially relevant strategy to make a positive difference in the society. The organisation of this event comes within the framework of the corporate social responsibility strategy of Z-Corp and displays the group’s commitment to support the community it operates in.

In tune with the objective of World Down Syndrome Day, the collaboration team of Z-Corp along with the support of the Al Aman Rehabilitation Centre organised and participated in special activities and events with an aim to raise public awareness for the inclusion and well-being of children with Down syndrome.

The event started with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by a child from the centre, which was followed by an inspiring speech by another student. Students from a government school put up a dance and musical programme in honour of the children from the centre. Jamal Marooqi conducted special games and a magic show for the children of the centre, which was thoroughly enjoyed by them.

Lauding the role of the Al Aman Rehabilitation Centre, Faisal Al Manthari, assistant manager of Social Communications, The Zubair Corporation said, “As a group we recognise the need to support the work of the centre, since we believe that working towards integrating these children into everyday social spheres is a responsibility and a duty for all of us. We are honoured to support Rehabilitation Centre, which has been doing wonderful work in assisting children and their families. Their effort in promoting public awareness about Down syndrome is commendable.”

He added, “It was a joy to see the children in action and it was wonderful to see them interact and participate in the competitions hosted. We are proud of our collaboration teams efforts to organise a delightful programme for the benefit of these children. The Zubair Corporation will continue to nurture its employees’ sense of responsibility and encourage the exchange of experience through the works of the ‘collaboration team’.”

Thanking Z-Corp and its collaboration team for their support, Dr Nadia bint Ali Al Ajmi said, “We are pleased that we were able to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner to raise public awareness of Down syndrome. Our centre has been dedicated to encouraging inclusion and well-being of children with Down syndrome. Organising events such as this raises public awareness and enhances the confidence of children with the Down syndrome.

“These events offer psychological and social support for them and their families. Z-Corp’s support will help create more awareness about the condition and will bring the public’s attention and encourage other private organisations to give back to the society by supporting in diverse ways. We are thankful to Zubair Corporation’s ‘collaboration team’ for organising such a wonderful event.”

The ‘collaboration team’ organises special events to remain connected with the society. Among the programmes it has undertaken, the ‘collaboration team’ organised an open sports day event at the Omar bin Al Khattab Institute for the Blind based in Mawaleh. To emphasise the philosophy of giving to the society, the ‘collaboration team’ organised a community event at the Al Wafa Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children in Sohar.

As part of its initiatives to reach out to the local community during the spiritually uplifting Ramadan month, the ‘collaboration team’ organised an Iftar and dinner reception for senior citizens in Al Batinah South and Al Dakhiliyah governorates. As part of its commitment to contribute towards meaningful causes in the community, Z-Corp’s ‘collaboration team’ had organised a get-together forum in Nizwa, Muscat and Bidiya for the elderly in cooperation with the Omani Association for Elderly Friends.