Friday 19 / April / 2024
Muscat: Two 720 square metre greenhouses will soon be helping individuals with intellectual and motor impairments participate in the labour force, an experience that would be difficult for many of them in the working world.
Dar Al Atta’a Association (DAA) opened the greenhouses, sponsored by Oman’s Dutch community in the state of Bidbid. Nada Al Jamali, DAA board member, spent four months putting the project together, and is very happy with the results.
“The greenhouse project was initially thought of by the Al Wafa Center for the Disabled. They needed OMR11,000 to carry out the project, and the Dutch Community in Oman donated OMR10,000 of the funds.
“We have volunteers at the greenhouses, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, to manage the project. It’s very much like a community garden, but in the form of a greenhouse,” Al Jamali said.
This experience will allow those with disabilities to create a source of income for themselves. So far, the greenhouses have some 40 individuals, aged 16 and older, being trained there. “The first harvest was cucumbers, and their reactions were priceless.
“Even though it required a lot of work, they had a feeling of ‘I can do something’. I truly believe that if we can train them to do something, then they can do it,” Al Jamali added.
Uniforms and boots will be provided, creating a true work
experience.
“Work in the greenhouses involve the growing of assorted vegetables, and their being sold for domestic consumption."
