(MENAFN - Arab News) An Irish-based non-governmental organization is holding discussions with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) to develop services that will contribute to the training and employment of Saudi nationals with special needs.
Dr. Angela Kerins, CEO of the Rehab Group, said here yesterday that her organization is in "advanced discussions" with the HRDF.
"Saudi Arabia is the first country in the Middle East that the Rehab Group is working with. We have experience in providing services to thousands of people over the last 60 years, and we are privileged to have the opportunity to offer our expertise to support the improvement of employment prospects for disabled people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
"There are a number of influential officials in Saudi Arabia who wish to develop services for individuals with special needs, hence there will be progress and development in this area because of the great support that will be given by the officials."
Kerins spoke of the interest and leadership provided by the Ministry of Labor and particularly by Ibrahim Al-Moaiquel, Director General of the HRDF to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
"Our second main objective is to make a contribution to the Saudization program," Kerins added.
Rehab has already conducted interviews with Saudi candidates, with a view to establishing operations in the Kingdom. "In seeking to provide training and employment services to people with disabilities, it is the intention of the Rehab Group to up-skill Saudi people to provide these services so that 75 percent of the staff would be qualified Saudi nationals. However, what matters most is quality and excellence in the delivery of services, therefore we are looking for talented and dedicated people to build high quality Rehab Group services in the Kingdom," said Kerins.
The Rehab Group is an independent international group of charities and commercial companies that works towards "a world where every person has the opportunity to achieve their potential. We work in local communities to provide high-quality services and opportunities to people who need them," said Kerins.
Over 3,800 Rehab staff provide health and social care, training and education, and rehabilitation, employment and commercial services in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands and Poland.
"This year alone, in Ireland, Rehab will train 5,000 people, many of whom require additional support, and set them on the path to further education, training and employment.
"Almost 470 people were placed in jobs in 2012, and we continue to support 200 people who use our services in part-time employment, while directly employing a further 300 people with disabilities in our commercial division," said Kerins.
"The people who currently use our services include young people and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, people with mental health difficulties, people with autism and people with an acquired brain injury. A range of essential services are also provided to older people, careers and others who are marginalized," she added.
"Every year, more than 80,000 people and their families benefit from the support provided by Rehab in almost 250 locations. Rehab works to influence leaders and policymakers to deliver positive change in the lives of the people who access our services, and has consultative status as a non-governmental organization at the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations," said Kerins.
