Building hope through hands-on practice
Published: Jul 29, 2010 23:37 Updated: Jul 29, 2010 23:37
JEDDAH: From first-hand knowledge of managing airports to the making of chocolate, the range of activities for a group of 18 blind children is ever expanding.
This week, the young children were joined by 16 sighted students, some mothers and volunteers as part of Ebsar Foundation’s ongoing summer training program called “Building Hope.”
According to Mohammad Tawfiq Bellow, founder and general manager of the Jeddah-based foundation, the children had the most exciting experience this week when they visited Voila Chocolate Academy at Millennium Mall on Tahlia Street.
The goal of the visit was to develop their knowledge and skills about different kinds of chocolate through tasting and smelling them, improve their senses by touching a solid chocolate face and smelling different chocolate flavors.
They began touring the facilities and the production line of the chocolate from raw material until the sale point. Then they had the experience of practicing decorating and coloring the chocolate.
The children also toured King Abdulaziz International Airport to gain knowledge about the arrangements made by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
“The tour was designed to feature the day-to-day work of the airport, traffic and operations control, and safety features,” said Abdulelah Falemban, the airport’s director of safety and quality assurance and secretary of the supervisory committee.
“I cannot see myself, but I am happy that special arrangements are made for us at the airport,” said seven-year-old Kholoud Zahid. “I am sure that the next time I travel by air, I will not have to seek help. There will be someone to take care of me at the airport, aside from my parents.”
The tour took the students from the main entrance leading to the check-in counters and the departure gates. The students were also updated on all services available especially for those with special needs such as wheelchairs as per GACA’s regulations.
The children were also given a reception at the Saudi Arabian Airlines Catering facility, where they learned about the food processing for flights.
One of the mothers who was touring with the kids observed that these were the most fulfilling weeks for the group as she could notice the positive change in the children, blind as well as sighted. They also learned new English words when they were briefed on the names of chocolates and their flavor, she said.
Mary Ann Lang, a former vice president of the US-based Lighthouse International and an adviser to the Ebsar Foundation, said: “This is a much-needed program. Children with disabilities, especially those with impaired vision, miss out on the everyday experiences that most of us take for granted. The program broadens their world.”
The Ebsar summer campaign, in its third consecutive year, was launched on June 28. It will conclude on Aug. 7.
