QCDC Honors Entrepreneurs with Learning Difficulties

Empower Ability Programme

Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), established by Qatar Foundation (QF), held a closing ceremony to honor participants and partner institutions of the second phase of its pioneering "EmpowerAbility" program.

This phase aimed to educate participants with learning difficulties on entrepreneurship, financial planning, marketing, and project presentation, in collaboration with specialized institutions and successful entrepreneurs. Over three weeks, 17 participants received training through workshops, interactive educational activities, and career guidance sessions. The program concluded with a ceremony and exhibition where participants showcased their business ideas developed with the help of experts from over 15 institutions.

QCDC’s Director, Abdulla A Al Mansoori, highlighted the profound and lasting impact of the "EmpowerAbility" program, stating, "At QCDC, we believe entrepreneurship is a key indicator of economic health and growth. Integrating individuals with learning difficulties into economic development requires empowering them to explore entrepreneurship. We are immensely proud of the participants’ achievements in this phase of the program."

Al Mansoori added, "Empowerment is not just about individual transformation; it aims for societal change and building bridges that provide everyone with the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We thank our partners for making this opportunity possible and look forward to continuing and developing this initiative with our dedicated partners."

Hussein Yousef Abdul Ghani, Director of the Administrative and Finance Department at Qatar Chamber, emphasized the importance of the "EmpowerAbility" program in introducing people with learning difficulties to entrepreneurship. He expressed gratitude to QCDC, the Young Entrepreneurs Club, and all contributors for their commendable efforts. "Qatar Chamber is always keen on promoting entrepreneurship for its significance in the growth of the national economy, and this program directly contributes to achieving this strategic goal. We are proud of Qatar Chamber’s role in fostering creativity and empowering ambition through our participation in the program. We will continue to collaborate with all parties to support young entrepreneurs in their future endeavors," he added.

Dr. Ibrahim Khalid Al Sulaiti, President of the Young Entrepreneurs Club, emphasized the alignment of the "EmpowerAbility" program with the inclusive values of Qatar National Vision 2030. He stated, "Our collaborative efforts with QCDC, Qatar Chamber, and all other partners and stakeholders represent a significant step towards providing opportunities for everyone without exception, and towards integrating individuals with learning difficulties into society. This effort is not just an ethical commitment; it is an investment in Qatar’s inclusive and sustainable future. We aspire to provide more opportunities for this group to contribute effectively to building their nation, and the 'EmpowerAbility' program is the beginning of this journey."

The closing ceremony featured an exhibition where participants presented their business ideas to a panel of judges specializing in entrepreneurship. After evaluation, QCDC honored the top three participants for their outstanding efforts and innovative ideas.

Partner institutions included the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Sports and Youth, Qatar Manpower Solutions Company "Jusour," Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Young Entrepreneurs Club, Qatari Women's Association for Economic and Investment Awareness, and Rowwad Business Solutions, among other supporting stakeholders.

Designed to foster inclusive employment and cultivate essential employability skills, "EmpowerAbility" trained participants in key skills through two integrated tracks: engaging them in organizing and executing various national day activations to gain vital skills like communication and teamwork, and equipping them with entrepreneurial skills while guiding them through their initial steps.

The program signifies QCDC's commitment to the principles of inclusive employment and accessible career development. Feedback gathered from participants and their families will inform future iterations of the program, ensuring it continues to empower individuals with learning difficulties to achieve their goals.   

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar