ZHO Initiates Operations In 10 New Speech Therapy Centres Across Egypt

The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) has initiated operations at 10 new speech therapy centres in six Egyptian governorates. This initiative will benefit 643 young individuals with disabilities. The launch is part of a joint cooperation protocol signed last November between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and ZHO under the "Bridges of HopeHolding" programme, supported by ADQ.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt's Minister of Youth and Sports, praised ZHO and ADQ's efforts to support people with disabilities in Egypt. He highlighted that these services are provided free to Egyptian families with children with disabilities, aiming to integrate them into society and ensure they lead a dignified life.

The project aims to develop skills for those with autism spectrum disorders, delayed speech, speech problems, hyperactivity disorders, attention deficit disorders, learning difficulties, and behaviour modification issues. This initiative supports and empowers people of determination through awareness programmes for their families and guardians, aiming to develop their skills in dealing with their children.

Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, stated that launching these centres in Upper and Lower Egypt is a positive step towards providing comprehensive care and therapeutic sessions for beneficiaries. This effort is part of the cooperation protocol aimed at transferring expertise and supporting families across Egypt through family counselling programmes.

The ten centres located in Qalyubia, Dakahlia, Monufia, Qena, Sohag, and New Valley have been equipped with advanced tools for speech therapy sessions. These include behaviour modification tools, skill development aids, learning difficulty resources, sensory integration equipment, and psychological assessment devices.

Future Expansion Plans

Personal interviews have been conducted to select young specialists who will work at these centres. By the end of 2024, it is planned to establish 30 speech therapy centres across various governorates. This expansion aims to enhance the support network for people of determination throughout Egypt.

A team of social workers and speech therapists will organise workshops to identify learning difficulties and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. They will provide specialised skills necessary to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, psychological and social support programmes will be implemented.

Dr. Sobhy also emphasised ZHO's role in empowering people of determination by reinforcing their role in community development. The organisation ensures that all means are provided to facilitate their activities and protect their rights.

This initiative includes establishing a medical convoy touring several governorates to provide urgent medical care for people of determination and their families. The programme also focuses on developing 60 speech therapy centres under the Ministry’s purview while providing internet services to these centres.

The project aims not only at skill development but also at raising awareness among families about dealing with children with disabilities effectively. Workshops conducted by social workers and therapists will help identify learning difficulties and provide necessary skills to overcome them.

This comprehensive approach ensures that people of determination receive holistic support encompassing medical care, therapeutic sessions, family counselling programmes, psychological support, and skill development initiatives.

The efforts by ZHO reflect a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities in Egypt by providing essential services that promote integration into society while ensuring their rights are upheld.

The establishment of these centres marks significant progress in supporting individuals with disabilities across Egypt through collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and organisations like ZHO.

With inputs from WAM