Time running out for special needs centre facing closure
The manager of the Dimensions Centre, which treats people with special needs in Fujairah, has renewed an urgent appeal to the public for help.
The centre, which faces closure unless funds are found, is a vital lifeline for those with children who need special care.
“It’s hard for me to say this but the centre will close its doors this week because we can’t afford to renew and pay for the rent,” said Tamara Tagliapietra, the centre’s manager. “I desperately beg for the public’s help to keep the centre running.
“Twenty-one children with various disabilities will stop receiving the care and treatment they need to develop and progress. It breaks my heart and soul to see that coming.”
Ms Tagliapietra said she received a call from the Ministry of Community Development on Monday saying that the centre would be fined if it did not renew its licence this week.
“I told him that we are facing serious financial problems and we need time, but he said ‘That’s up to you’. If I don’t renew this week we will be fined Dh2,000.
“I haven’t slept since yesterday trying to find a solution. I knocked on every single door and asked many government authorities in Fujairah for help but nothing happened – only promises that have never been fulfilled.
The affected children, who are between 3 and 15 years old, are benefiting from the centre’s services and developing new skills with the help of therapists, while 10 others are waiting to be sponsored to join the centre.
“The property rental papers were also sent to the legal department because we couldn’t pay the rent since the beginning of the year, while three families couldn’t pay the discounted fees for more than three months because they are also facing financial difficulties,” Ms Tagliapietra said.
The centre offers free sessions to children with special needs from families on low incomes, and offers discounted fees starting from 10 per cent and reaching 50 per cent for those unable to afford to cover the total amount.
“I can’t stop any child from benefiting from the centre’s services and it’s not their fault if their parents don’t have enough money to cover the fees,” Ms Tagliapietra said.
“We all have children and we can imagine how hard it is to deprive them of their right to develop and become active members in the community.”
Ms Tagliapietra said the centre needed about Dh350,000 to keep the centre open for another year, which includes property rental fees, licences and the salaries of five specialists.
Anyone interested in helping should contact her on 055 747 1010 or 09 224 2232, or email tamara@dimensionsfuj.ae.
Children between 3 and 15 years old are currently benefiting from the centre’s services