Ghanem, 3, wins hearts at Dubai
Municipality stall during Rehab Dubai
2006
Ghanem does not have legs. But that doesn't
stop him from swimming or even walking - on his
hands. Ghanem, 3, won hearts at the Dubai
Municipality stall during the just held Dubai
International Rehabilitation Forum, Rehab Dubai
2006.
"Though he is disabled, Ghanem has the power to
enthuse anybody with his athletic confidence,"
said Muna Ali Bin Hareb, Head of Corporate
Marketing and Exhibitions Unit at the Dubai
Municipality.
"He was there all three days of the exhibition
with his mother Umm Ghanem, who happily shared
with visitors her experiences with her son," Muna
said.
Confident
"Ghanem has
literally won hearts of all of us and all those
who visited the Rehab. He can walk on his hands,
swim and do many other things despite his
disability. With his rock hard confidence, he has
proved himself that disability is not a hindrance
for anything," she said.
"Umm Ghanem, who is also involved with many
charity organisations, has written a few books
about her son to tell his story to the world. With
his presence at our stall we wanted to convey a
message of hope to other disabled people," she
said.
Posters
"We put up posters
of famous people with special needs. They included
the great musician Beethoven, who was deaf; Helen
Keller, a pioneer in championing the cause of the
blind; and Dr Taha Hussain, Arabic literary giant,
who was also blind," Muna said.
She said the municipality's Rehab participation
was useful. "First of all, we could convey a
message of confidence to the disabled. We are also
proud to present Ghanem as a symbol of that
confidence.
"We've received a few applications from
qualified disabled people, who were interested to
take up jobs in the Municipality," she added.
Emphasis
Muna said the
municipality has been giving importance to people
with special needs, considering them an integral
part of the society.
The number of people with special needs taking
up jobs with Dubai Municipality has risen to 27,
including 4 special female employees.
"Dubai Municipality is providing them with
equal opportunities to help them work along with
their colleagues in different departments and
sections.
"People with special needs enjoy a great deal
of encouragement from the leadership of the
municipality," Muna said.
