Amman-based centre builds character, skills of people with disabilities

AMMAN — For most of his adult life, Samer Zughayar had been haunted by concerns about finding a job, but a centre in the capital has helped him gain newfound confidence and choose a career path.

Zughayar, who suffers from a learning disability, attended classes at the Orient Spirit Development (OSD) centre, where participants learn one or more of 11 crafts such as carpentry, sewing, cooking, and making jewellery and accessories. 

"I joined the centre because I wanted to master a craft that I can depend on in the future. I always think about my future," he told The Jordan Times in a recent interview. 

Falesteen Awad, the centre’s director, said it was established in 2006 to offer people with disabilities vocational and handicraft training. 

"After they undergo training at the centre, we prepare them to join the workforce through our rehabilitation programme," she told The Jordan Times at the centre.  

Awad said OSD deals with people who suffer from minor to medium disabilities, including learning disabilities and autism. 

"We teach people between the ages of seven and 45. The majority of trainees enrolled at the centre these days are between 22 and 25 years old," she noted, adding that 42 trainees are benefiting from their services at present.

In the early years of the centre, it was difficult to find qualified teachers who could also deal with people with disabilities, according to Awad. 

"The way teachers treat their pupils is as important as the qualifications they have. Now, we have 14 teachers working at the centre," she noted.  

Awad said OSD organises several bazaars to enable the trainees to sell their products and deal with customers.

Trainees and parents interviewed by The Jordan Times voiced their satisfaction with the centre's services.   

Ali Mustafa said he learned several skills, including carpentry and sewing.  

"When I used to look at cabinets, I was really curious to know how they were made. Now I learned how to do just that and I began teaching other trainees," the 24-year-old added.

Naheel Anabtawi, whose 20-year-old daughter attends classes at the centre, said she heard about OSD from her sister's friends.  

"I knew that after a specific stage it would be difficult for my daughter to attend college or university, so I tried to find a place that would be beneficial for her," she added. 

Anabtawi recounted that her daughter began attending classes at the age of 15, and thanks to the training, she managed to make new friends and gain many skills. 

"The students at regular schools did not accept my daughter and it was difficult for her to find friends. Children in general are not taught by their families to accept people with disabilities and befriend them," she noted. 

Now, Anabtawi's daughter has friends as well as the courage to deal with society, and even do her own shopping and deal with vendors. 

Naifah Kurdi, OSD's programme manager, said involving children at the centre in teamwork is “very important”.

"Such programmes have a positive impact on the character of students, boosting their self-esteem and helping them integrate into society, including their friends, family and the wider community around them." 

Kurdi explained that the crafts the children learn also help enhance their skills, concentration and muscle strength. 

Zughayar voiced hope that he will be successful in the crafts he is learning in the future.

"Every day, I discover new details about the professions I am training in."