ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality value-based education, recently sent a group of its students to the Gulf Autism Center, the first specialized autism center in Abu Dhabi, so that they could learn more about the life of children with autism and the challenges they face.
Participants will soon be organizing an activity related to the impact of this visit on their attitudes about less fortunate members of their community. The trip is part of a series of ALHOSN activities aimed at enlightening students on vital social issues. Selected ALHOSN students went to the Special Care Center in Abu Dhabi just last September 2010; there are now plans for another batch to visit a home for the elderly in Dubai to commence an outreach programme being developed by ALHOSN.
"We often tell our students that they should be sensitive to the lives of the people around them and strive to have a positive effect on their respective communities and countries. For this recent trip participants were really inspired by the courage and strength of autistic children. We intend to continue organizing similar kinds of experiences so that our students can develop progressively to become responsible, caring citizens. We will also sustain our support for the admirable work done by institutions such as the Gulf Autism Center," said Mr. Nicholas Hamilton-Archer, Provost Office, ALHOSN University.
"Before this visit I knew very little about autism and how people with this condition cope with it. Now I understand what they are going through and I am eager to help them in whatever way I can. I hope that ALHOSN will include me in other activities that enable me to make a difference to needy members of my community," added Heba Omar Rayyan, student at ALHOSN University.
The Gulf Autism Center is an educational institution founded in 2005 with the mission of caring for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. It helps autistic children learn basic skills through one to one education, and providing the necessary support and services to uphold the concept of 'The Least Complicated Environment.' Located in Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, the nonprofit Center receives funding from charitable institutions and individual and corporate donations.
ALHOSN University opened its doors to students of all nationalities in 2005 under the slogan 'Global knowledge with local vision.' It currently offers 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate programs under the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Business, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
