(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) When 21-year-old Aileen Thomas dances, she forgets the rest of the world, said her mother Lovely Elizabeth.
Clad in a white costume and gold jewellery, Aileen whirled around on the main stage, with a beaming smile, to the tunes of traditional Malayalee music. However, unlike other dancers at the event, the 21-year-old was born with a severe speech and learning disability.
Yet, she remained one of the top contenders for the 'fancy dress competition' at the third edition of the 'Santhwanam Youth Cultural Festival - 2017' at Gulf Model School on Friday and Saturday.
Aileen was one of 84 differently-abled students who participated in the highly-anticipated cultural festival. "A total of 115 activities were arranged for students with special needs," said Reji Pappachan, president of Santhwanam.
"We organised the event keeping in mind the needs of people of determination. We believe that young people with special needs feel much better when they interact more often with mainstream children," he added.
The annual event had set aside three special stages for children with special needs. In the regular category, 780 students from 14 schools across the UAE participated in the event.
Santhwanam, a non-profitable social welfare association, registered under the Community Development Authority, invited people of determination who were home-schooled as well. Students with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other special abilities participated in the festival. Leena Mather, a 19-year-old student said: "I was surprised to learn that students with special needs know so much about different things, and have a real desire to express themselves."
Mohammed Ayman, a 5-year-old with down syndrome, who also participated in the fancy dress competition' is now transferring from a school for people of determination to a regular school.
His mother Afaf Faisal told Khaleej Times: "He is more active and comfortable with regular students. Now, he is happier, and his speech is improving as well."
Dhanusha Gokulan The resident transport and traffic expert, with a touch of music, culture, and youth. I report on everything from rent hikes to traffic jams, from 'most expensive' experiences to tallest buildings, from encouraging upcoming talents to camels laughing. I've been a journalist for seven years and I am ridiculously passionate about music, books, internet memes, Facebook procrastination, and the occasional sport activity (candycrush).
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