Meet the Careers Network graduates and hopefuls

Dream comes true Who: Nilofer, 32 and Nadeem Saleem, 34 Employment length: 5 years and 2 years (respectively)

Both Nilofer and Nadeem were born with learning difficulties but both are now in paid employment. Nilofer works full-time at the care service unit of Emirates NBD and Nadeem works part-time in the laundry room at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. “I very much enjoy my work and the people I work with give me a lot of confidence and joy,” Nadeem told Khaleej Times.

And for his sister Nilofer, who recently got promoted, the opportunity to work has meant independence for both her and her brother — something their mother Hanifa has always dreamed for her children. She said programmes like the Careers Network mean a chance at something betters. “I urge more companies to train people like us and treat us all as adults.”

The full-timer Who: Ismail Solanki, 25 Employment length: 1 year

At the age of 14, Dubai-born Ismail suffered a brain haemorrhage which left him hospitalised for three months — one month of which was spent in ICU. Though doctors braced his family that a physical disability was imminent, Ismail’s father said “by the grace of god” he fully recovered. However, Ismail now lives with short-term memory loss, which previously affected his ability to find full-time employment. But just last week, Ismail received a job offer as a sales representative, and will be commencing his new post shortly after completing one year in a similar role. Working 9am-5pm six days a week, he said what he loves most about work life is the ability to gain experience and mix with others. “For others like me seeking employment, I would just say be honest, and give it your full potential every day.”

The jobseeker Who: Sarwath Niha, 29 Employment length: Has never worked

Although Sarwath is living with learning difficulties, she studied in mainstream school till Grade 12 and has the drive to work just like anyone else. With a three-and-a-half year old daughter to support, she said her dream job would be to work in an office.

“I love computers and I spend a lot of time on computers, figuring out new things to do. I did a course privately to teach myself more about these fascinating machines.” Like Nilofer and Nadeem’s mother, Sarwath’s mother said to be able to see her daughter and granddaughter “settled” would give her so much peace of mind. “My daughter has a lot to give. She has done vocational training and computer courses — all paid for by her — which shows she is willing and able to learn so much more.”