Doha: ExxonMobil Qatar has supported two locally based organisations — Autism Parents Platform and Step by Step Centre, as part of its efforts to enhance the learning experiences of children and young adults in Qatar.
Both organisations have a shared mission and common goals in that they promote inclusion for individuals with special needs through learning opportunities, and help prepare them to engage in and contribute to their communities.
ExxonMobil Qatar’s collaboration with the Autism Parents Platform will support the organization with its activities and campaigns that spread awareness about autism and promote inclusion for autistic individuals in society.
As for Step by Step Center, ExxonMobil’s support will go towards upgrading equipment and transportation means.
“We believe the most inclusive and diverse communities make for better economic growth and a better world. This is why we’re pleased to assist the Autism Parents Platform with its plans,” said Dominic Genetti, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar.
“The organization is doing really important work to train individuals and families in Qatar on how to create a safe and welcoming environment for people with autism. It also provides workshops to build the skills that will help prepare young people to make a successful transition into adulthood with good outcomes,” he added.
“Autism Parents Platforms exists to make the world a better place for people with autism by promoting inclusion for individuals diagnosed with autism in the community. We tailor workshops and trainings for entertainment facilities, educational centers, health providers and retail shops so they can become an autism friendly place or service.,” said Hamda Al Hitmi, co-founder of Autism Parents Platform.
“With company’s like ExxonMobil Qatar support, we are able to achieve our mission of helping people with autism lead full and happy lives as important members of the community. We believe that by empowering people with autism, they will make the world a better place” she added.
“Step by Step Centre is creating personalized learning programmes that meet the needs of individual children and develop the specialist expertise of their staff. These efforts align with our education strategy at ExxonMobil Qatar to help enhance teaching skills and improve learning experiences for students and young people so that they can be prepared for tomorrow’s world,” said Genetti.
“We’re delighted that ExxonMobil Qatar’s support will help us continue our ongoing work to assist more families of children with special needs in our community, and create work opportunities for young people with disabilities. With this support, we have also started a new programme at our special education centre called the Pathway to Independence: a Functional & Independent Living Skills Programme, that will provide training opportunities for students to gain independent living skills,” said Olcay B. Connor, Step by Step Center Manager.
ExxonMobil is supporting national efforts to enhance education in Qatar – particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The company invests in local education and teacher development programs that inspire STEM teaching and learning in order to build a skilled and productive workforce for Qatar’s sustainable future.
