A group photo of participants of the event.
Doha: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) recently held an event to mark 15 years of its relationship with the Qatar chapter of Best Buddies, at the university’s campus in Education City recently.
Teachers, staff, and students and their parents from Al Shafallah Center for Persons with Disability, senior representatives from the US Embassy in Qatar and from the Qatar Foundation (QF) partner universities along with members of the VCUarts Qatar community attended the activity-packed occasion.
VCUarts Qatar was the first Qatar Foundation partner university to set up the Best Buddies College Program Club in Education City. Laalei-abuAlfain, Executive Director, Al Shafallah Center for Persons with Disability, said, “We are pleased to celebrate 15 years of the relationship between Best Buddies Qatar and VCUarts Qatar.
The club at VCUarts Qatar was the first college club focusing on the social inclusion of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in Qatar." Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar, said, “The work this organisation has done with us over the past 15 years is remarkable – Best Buddies provides support and friendship to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – pairing people with special needs with a buddy who is there to offer support, friendship and a sense of belonging. Through their programmes they have helped to break down barriers and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding. We look forward to many more years of partnership.”
Omar Nasser Al Khanji was a special guest speaker at the event. He shared his experience as the first Qatari Best Buddies Pair partner at VCUarts Qatar.
