Al Noor Training Centre Invites New Enrolments to Its Arabic Medium Curriculum for Special Needs Students

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart”– Nelson Mandela.

Acknowledging this very power of the native language as a key component of knowledge and development, Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities has been running a full-fledged Arabic unit catering to Arab students since 2012. The Centre firmly believes that children succeed in communication and parents are more likely to interact with teachers and participate in their children’s learning, if the medium of instruction is in their native language.

No wonder the centre has orchestrated a full-fledged Arabic medium unit which caters to Arab students and helps them promote and preserve their mother tongue. 

Ms. Isphana Al Khatib, Director of the centre, expressed her vision saying, “Maintaining linguistic diversity to preserve cultural heritage is an important aspect of our training and we as educators must do all we can to cultivate a love of Arabic among students.  Our centre has efficient Arabic teachers and are developing Arabic technology as teaching tools in the classroom and using national textbooks.”

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. 

Students are provided with occupational therapy, speech, language and physical therapy through an activity based intervention approach. Use of technology, like Clicker 5 (in Arabic), Arabic apps on wireless devices like tablets and smart boards for academics and language goals, is also part of the students’ learning program.  Core Service Delivery Process (CSDP) has been translated to ensure a holistic program in the Arabic language in line with the non-Arabic stream. Use of a familiar language facilitates an understanding of the curriculum and intern helps students grasp faster.

Trainings are conducted for parents on an annual basis. Demo sessions are given to them on the goals of their children so that they can work on these goals at home. Incepted in 2012, the Arabic unit has received positive feedback from the parents and instructors alike and also been endorsed by HH. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

An Arabic medium of learning for students promote a smooth transition between home and school. It also enables flexibility, creativity and establishes an emotional connect which translates to cognitive stability.

Al Noor Training Centre falls under the Ministry of Social Affairs Al Noor and has been providing high quality of professional training to the special needs community in Dubai for over 34 years.  Admissions are now open for the academic year 2016-2017. For details, contact Janice at 043404844.