TAQA Supports Disadvantaged Children of UAE

The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), a publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADX: TAQA), today reaffirmed its commitment to the local community by donating AED 300,000 to the Abu Dhabi based Future Centre for Special Needs, a centre providing special education and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 20 years old.

Established in 2000, the Future Centre for Special Needs is a non-profit organization aimed at improving the lives of young people suffering with disabilities such as Down’s syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments and other learning difficulties. 

Speaking about the donation, Peter Barker-Homek, CEO of TAQA, said: “As a leading Abu Dhabi based company, TAQA recognizes its responsibility to the local community and we fully support social initiatives that improve the lives of people living in the UAE. The contribution that the Future Centre for Special Needs makes to the lives of disabled children is immeasurable and we are delighted to support this inspiring organisation.” 

The donation from TAQA will greatly benefit the organisation by contributing towards the sponsorship of at least four children with Down’s syndrome, the acquisition of specialized educational programmes for students with Down’s syndrome and the procurement of assessment tools specific to Down’s syndrome. In addition, the money will be used to actively support the Down’s syndrome Parent Support Group.  

Dr. Mowfaq M.A.Mustafa, the Director at the Future Centre for Special Needs said: “The Future Centre for Special Needs is committed to equipping disadvantaged individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to realise their full potential in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment, and to help them lead more fulfilling lives. We welcome the unwavering support of TAQA and thank them for their valued contribution to the lives of disabled children across the UAE.”

Of the 181 students at the Future Centre for Special Needs, 41 have Down’s syndrome. Down’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that delays physical and intellectual development. The condition varies in severity, so developmental problems may range from mild to serious. The children with Down’s syndrome at the Future Centre are provided with individualized education programs so as to address their individual learning needs.

Down’s syndrome is the most common genetic cause of severe learning disabilities in children, occurring in one in every 800 infants. The condition is named after John Langdon Down, the doctor who first identified the syndrome.

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