Tamkeen to train, employ Bahrainis with Down Syndrome

Manama : A study conducted by Tamkeen has revealed the support extended by the Kingdom’s private sector to special needs; 30 per cent of the businesses had special needs on their payrolls. The details were shared with media as Tamkeen signed an agreement with Bahrain Down Syndrome Association on the grounds of a joint co-operation agreement to rehabilitate, train and employ Bahrainis with Down Syndrome in specialised positions according to their abilities.

The first of its kind, this project will provide the opportunity to not only employee individuals with Down Syndrome but also give emphasis on the importance of community partnership involving all segments of Bahraini society in programmes and support packages aimed at establishing the principle of social solidarity.

Specialised expert in dealing with individuals with Down syndrome and director of the Center for Down Syndrome Care Dr Mohammed Abdul Karim Mannai will be taking this programme under his wing by supervising and conducting comprehensive follow-ups.

Tamkeen Executive President Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Janahi and Down Syndrome Society President Mr Adel Abdullah both expressed their immense contentment with regard to this programme. Adel Abdullah Fakhro, chairman of the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society expressed appreciation for this co-operation, which would open the horizon to expand employment opportunities for individuals with special needs to occupy various possible positions, according to professional and scientific data, pointing out that this project is the first of its kind in the Arab world where the previous employment projects for people with disabilities focused on operating this category in simple jobs such as carpentry, agriculture, pluming and painting.

Ibrahim Janahi stressed Tamkeen’s keenness on activating a partnership that would achieve the principle of social responsibility as well as support opportunities for the contribution of all segments of society in advancing toward the aspirations of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and its keenness on building the Bahraini man.