Education experts stress the importance of tailored learning and skill development programmes to open doors during Aurora50’s inaugural Inclusive Workplaces Summit.
From early and higher education to vocational training programmes, preparing people of determination (POD) for the workforce demands a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.
At Aurora50’s inaugural Inclusive Workplaces Summit, educators from across the UAE shared strategies to ensure POD can thrive in professional environments.
Carel Van der Merwe, Quality and Assessment Director at the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge, highlighted the importance of setting new standards for inclusive education to prepare children of determination for their future.
Established in 2023, the education authority in Ras Al Khaimah has focused on understanding the needs of schools and educators before implementing inclusion initiatives.
“We first collected data from private schools, nurseries and centres across the emirate through surveys and focus groups to understand what support they need and identified the key inclusion challenges faced by educators, ” said Mr Van der Merwe.
The authority prioritised those topics for training school communities, combining theory-based sessions with practical applications.
These sessions also enabled teachers and leaders to monitor their progress and growth in implementing inclusive practices.
Mr Van der Merwe noted that the most valuable outcome was creating a communication network among school leaders and teachers.
“This platform allows them to openly share experiences and ideas for inclusive policies, building collaboration and better practices,” he explained.
He added that educators feel more confident seeking advice from their peers and developing effective strategies.
“The best education comes from practitioners learning from each other. By asking questions and engaging in dialogue, schools can identify areas for improvement and take ownership of solutions.”
Ceanlia Vermeulen, Head of Inclusion and Wellbeing at Al Reef Charter School in Al Ain, stressed the importance of tailoring education for POD.
At her school, she said, every student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that focuses on their specific needs, strengths and future goals.
“As someone with ADHD and dyslexia, I understand the importance of teaching functional life skills rather than sticking solely to a curriculum,” said Ms Vermeulen.
“We focus on functional skills like communication, critical thinking and conflict resolution. For example, we use themes like money management to teach organisational strategies and real-world applications,” she explained.
Ms Vermeulen also emphasised the importance of family involvement and creating connections with industry leaders to prepare students for the workforce.
“Our next step is to collaborate with UAE universities and companies to create employment pathways for our students, ensuring they are ready for higher education.”
In higher education, Afrah Mir, who works in the Success and Wellbeing (S&W) Section of the Students Affairs Department at Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi, sees challenges supporting people of determination (POD) during their transition to adulthood.
“At the university level, students are often left to navigate adulthood without sufficient guidance,” said Ms Mir.
She explained how her department has developed peer mentoring, tutoring and counselling services to address these gaps.
“Our focus is on empowering students to advocate for themselves,” she added.
“The first hurdle POD face is hesitating to speak up. In my course, I help them build confidence and find their voice, which is crucial for workplace success.”
Ms Mir also emphasised the need for universities to move away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, especially for POD.
“Each student faces unique challenges, and our support programmes must address those differences. Universities need to rethink teaching and inclusivity to better prepare students for life beyond campus.”
Vocational training plays a critical role in preparing POD for specific roles in the job market. Eman Altamimi, Director of the Program Development and Quality Office at Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO), shared insights into their efforts to design qualifications for POD.
“We have been working with several national committees since 2022 to create the first national vocational qualification for people of determination in the UAE,” said Ms Altamimi.
Along with ZHO, the certificate programme has been developed by entities including the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Ministry of Community Development and Ministry of Education.
It focuses on equipping POD with intellectual disabilities and those on the autism spectrum with essential knowledge, behavioural competencies and practical skills to join the workforce.
Training includes areas such as problem-solving, communication, time management and occupational safety.
Ms Altamimi explained that the two-year programme includes hands-on training and preparing participants to handle real-world tasks either on their own or under supervision.
“Our first batch of students began this year and are preparing to enter the workforce,” she said.
As the UAE celebrates women’s empowerment, Aurora50 asked some of its Emirati women members to explain what the day means for them.
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