Monday, March 2, 2015

Close to my Heart!

Today I am going to introduce you to Al Noor Training Centre for Children with special Needs

Established in 1981, Al Noor has been providing high quality of professional training to the special needs community in Dubai for over 30 years. Starting with only 8 children the Centre has since expanded to facilitate and enrich the lives of up to 300 children and young people from different nationalities who have various physical and cognitive challenges such as Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. The new all-purpose facility from which Al Noor now operates opened its doors in April 2007 and was generously donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai and was made possible through the benefaction of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

Al Noor follows a holistic programme addressing all domains of development through a trans-disciplinary assessment and intervention approach, all delivered at an ISO certified standard.

In addition to teaching, the level of development is enhanced with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Psychological services, Sports and Music. Al Noor also prides itself on an exceptionally effective work placement unit that trains its students with a capability for open employment, integrating them into mainstream society post education.

A particular star of the Al Noor’s fundraising achievements is the Center’s very own branded retail outlet, Smiles ‘n’ Stuff which helps to raise awareness and funds for the training centre. It is the only one of its kind in the GCC where all the products are handcrafted by children and young people with special needs enrolled at Al Noor. The goal of Al Noor’s vocational training unit is to make children skilled and productive members of the community and training is offered in Wood Design Technology, Printing Technology, Fashion Technology and Bakery Unit.

Now recently Al Noor has launched an online store showing extensive collection of electronic cards designed by the students of Al Noor with contributions from local artists!


I feel so lucky to be associated with such a beautiful institution. 
I have been volunteering here and teaching them to draw and paint!
The kids here have always always inspired me
 to be more strong, 
to love unconditionally,
 to celebrate each moment as it comes and to stay smiling!!


Recently I attended the launch of "Greetings by Al Noor"...another new venture!! 
I am sure you would be awestruck to see their awesome collection of e-cards and you can
send greetings to your family, friends, clients and colleagues in a jiffy!!
I feel honored that two of my paintings have found a place in their absolutely stunning collection 

Do pay a visit to their website called


"MAP TO MY HEART"


"ART IN MOTION"

Here is the link to the card with my painting "Map to my Heart"
and this one for "Art in Motion"!!

Let me know your feedback!
Your words of encouragement can bring a smile to these amazing kids :)






21 comments:

  1. What a wonderful facility and you must be so proud to play an important part in helping these children to develop their creative sides. Congrats on your art being part of the ecards selections. Thank you for sharing this - it makes my day to read about the good things that happen in the world when all we seem to see on TV are the bad things!

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    1. Yes Nic...I feel so fulfilled whenever I am amongst them! And art of course binds us together !
      Their angelic smiles make me love them even more :)

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  2. beautiful abstract colours and amazing doodling! great work!

    happy PPF :)

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  3. Sounds like an amazing place. Thanks so much for sharing that-along with your gorgeous art!

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  4. wonderful art, nice to learn about such a wonderful facility, we need more of those everywhere!

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  5. Beautiful work Rita. Great color.

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  6. It is truly an honor to have your paintings associated with an association that helps children with special needs. However, working with the actual children as you do, is the real blessing. Congratulations!

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    1. Yes I am blessed because I get to see their smiles and receive that unconditional love !! Thank you !!

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  7. congratulations on your work being part of such an amazing institution...xx

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  8. Wow congratulations on having your cards such a wonderful part of that institution. Such a great cause!! Beautiful work Ritu and the other cards really are beautiful too!!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Thank you so much !! Yes I indeed feel so humbled to be here!

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  9. lovely work Rita; have a good weekend

    much love...

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  10. Oooo, I love the colours in the first one! So vibrant! Great idea to decorate the horses that way!

    CONGRATULATIONS, for having two pieces selected! It is wonderful that you can teach and learn from the children. I've had the privilege of working with similar children when I first started teaching. They had such big open hearts and loved life!

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