In a world striving to embrace inclusivity and equal opportunity for all, Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), has once again proven to be a beacon of progressive vision and compassionate leadership. Recently, she praised the Al Amal School for the Deaf for its remarkable efforts in providing quality education and holistic development for students with hearing impairments. Her words of recognition are not just a ceremonial gesture—they reaffirm the importance of inclusive education and validate the tireless efforts of an institution that has become a model for the region.
The recognition came during a special event celebrating the achievements of students and educators who have gone above and beyond to foster learning excellence among deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Among the honorees was the exceptionally talented Mayed Arif Obaid Al Zaabi, a student of Al Amal School who was awarded the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence under the Distinguished Student Category for Special Categories.
This public commendation by Sheikha Jameela is far more than a formality—it represents a powerful statement on the importance of creating an educational ecosystem that serves every child, regardless of physical ability, with dignity, commitment, and vision.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inclusion
Founded in 1979, Al Amal School for the Deaf is one of the first institutions in the UAE dedicated solely to the education of students with hearing impairments. Operated under the umbrella of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, the school has grown into a symbol of excellence in special education, offering students not just academic training, but also the life skills and emotional resilience needed to thrive in mainstream society.
What distinguishes Al Amal is its bilingual instructional model—where Arabic and sign language are used hand-in-hand to bridge the communication gap and open doors to academic understanding. The curriculum follows national standards while incorporating specialized modules tailored to the unique learning styles of its students. Every aspect of its educational delivery—from digital smart learning tools to individualized psychological support—aims to create a nurturing, effective, and inclusive environment.
For Sheikha Jameela, the school is a personal and professional source of pride. Her involvement in SCHS and oversight of institutions like Al Amal reflect her deep-seated commitment to human rights, accessibility, and empowerment. Her leadership has been a driving force in transforming the educational landscape for students with disabilities in Sharjah and across the UAE.
Celebrating Student Success: Mayed’s Inspirational Journey
The recent spotlight on student Mayed Arif Obaid Al Zaabi stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when the right support meets individual determination. Mayed has been part of the Al Amal School family since 2011 and has shown continuous growth and excellence in various fields.
Notably, Mayed earned second place in the UCMAS Mental Arithmetic Competition for two consecutive years, a remarkable feat that showcases the intellectual capability and potential of students with hearing impairments when provided with the right tools and encouragement. Additionally, he was recognized by the Sharjah Youth Shura Council with the Distinguished Parliamentary Participation Shield for his engagement in community and leadership activities.
Sheikha Jameela personally congratulated Mayed, his family, and the school’s administrative and teaching teams. She emphasized that this kind of success story is a result of collaborative commitment—from the family’s support at home to the educational nurturing at school and the strategic backing from leadership. “Success stories like Mayed’s are a beacon of what is possible,” she said. “They reaffirm the mission we’ve set for ourselves—to leave no child behind, to celebrate differences, and to make inclusivity a practical, everyday reality.”
A School Built on Innovation and Care
Al Amal School is not simply a learning facility—it is a community built on compassion, expertise, and innovation. The school integrates the latest educational technologies and offers access to speech therapy, sign language education, psychological counseling, and social work support. It believes in educating the “whole child,” focusing equally on emotional wellbeing, academic achievement, and social integration.
Director Afaf Al Haridi, who oversees the school, has consistently credited the leadership of Sheikha Jameela for enabling Al Amal to reach these heights. “Her Excellency is not only a supporter but a visionary,” said Al Haridi. “She ensures that every initiative is rooted in sustainability, excellence, and empowerment.”
Under this leadership, Al Amal has received several prestigious awards, including the Khalifa Educational Award, the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence and Distinction, and the Sharjah Sustainability Award. These accolades are not merely symbolic—they represent a track record of measurable impact and institutional integrity.
The Role of Families and Community
One of the school’s defining features is its strong collaboration with families. Parental involvement is not seen as optional—it is integral. The school frequently holds workshops and training sessions for parents to help them better understand and support their children’s academic and emotional needs.
Parents of students like Mayed have expressed profound appreciation for the school’s role in shaping their children’s future. They highlight the seamless communication between staff and families, the responsiveness of teachers, and the positive atmosphere that encourages students to flourish.
“Before enrolling our son in Al Amal, we were unsure about how to provide him with the support he needed,” said Mayed’s father. “Now, we see him confident, curious, and ambitious. That transformation is thanks to this school.”
Looking Ahead: The Vision for Inclusive Futures
Sheikha Jameela’s acknowledgment of Al Amal School’s achievements is a reminder that inclusive education is not a luxury but a necessity. It underscores a broader vision where education systems adapt to the needs of all learners rather than expecting learners to conform to one rigid model.
As the UAE continues to champion initiatives around social development and human rights, institutions like Al Amal are setting new benchmarks for excellence. They are proving that with the right leadership, innovative practices, and community involvement, the educational journey of a deaf student can be just as successful, inspiring, and impactful as that of any other student.
With continued investment in teacher training, assistive technology, and public awareness campaigns, Al Amal School hopes to expand its reach and influence. Its goal is to not only educate but also to inspire systemic change—so that inclusion becomes the norm, not the exception.
A Nation’s Pride, A Community’s Heart
Sheikha Jameela Al Qasimi’s tribute to Al Amal School is both a recognition and a call to action. It invites educators, policymakers, families, and citizens to look beyond conventional education and reimagine what is possible when compassion meets purpose. Her words echo a larger truth—that the success of a nation lies not just in its economic milestones but in how it nurtures and uplifts its most vulnerable.
Al Amal School for the Deaf is more than just an educational institution—it is a movement. And with leaders like Sheikha Jameela at the helm, that movement is destined to grow, inspire, and transform countless lives across the region and beyond.
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