CONNECTOR.AE 42 CONNECTOR.AE 43 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Brothers ‘N Oars: Rowing Across The Pacific In 40 Days Travelling across the Pacific Ocean is a feat in itself, however, taking up the challenge to row across the ocean within 40 days, is a task hardly anyone would ever consider doing. However, four friends have decided that the challenge is one that they would like to undertake, and from there, Brothers ‘N Oars was formed. The Pacific Challenge in June, is a race across the Pacific Ocean, starting in Monterey, California and ending in Kauai, Hawaii, that will see different teams row continuously without breaking, over a distance of 4,800 kilometres. The inaugural race, organised by Atlantic Campaigns, features thirteen different teams, with two teams of two rowers, one team of three and ten teams of four, of which Brothers ‘N Oars are one, trying to achieve world record of completing the distance in the shortest time. Connector, in conversation with Brothers ‘N Oars talked about the challenges, motivations and aims of the group as they are currently preparing to participate in this amazing but daunting journey. The group of four were put together by Oliver Amos, who is currently working in Sweden in the renewable energy sector. and psychologists licenced by Community Development Authority (CDA). Salma Kanaan, CEO of Emirates Down Syndrome Association said, “We are like a family, In the humanitarian field, and it is not commercial. It is something that comes from our heart.” Additionally, the centre does not only serve the students but also the parents and has family counselling sessions, and supports them through specialised workshops and training, with every child receiving a fully comprehensive assessment by the team that has an educational and treatment plan from the therapists as well as special need and behaviour modification sessions, where parents can share their aspirations for their child during this phase. The association also creates tailored plans for parents to deal with children with Down syndrome and offer support when required. As the centre is based on volunteering with over 1,500 volunteers, individuals are encouraged to help out and participate in activities as well as spend the day at the centre. For more information on the volunteering opportunities, visit the Emirates Down Syndrome Association website. the developmental milestones.” The initiative was started in 2005 by a small group of mothers looking for support as they had children with Down syndrome. From there, some of the current board members have been volunteers from the start, getting accreditation from the Ministry of Community Development in 2006 as a non-profit association, and putting in the efforts to see the organisation grow and expand its services with the Al Qusais headquarters opening in 2015. Having started with educational habilitation classes in 2016, the centre now has six classrooms, including pre-vocational classes, with each class having five students, and are taught from language to mathematics and all skills in all developmental fields needed for people with Down syndrome to be independent. Students also get to explore their interests through vocations and have the creative kitchen where they can understand what it is like to be a chef, study at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, enjoy taking pictures and videos at the established photography club and explore the world of robotics through the Robotic Club and Artificial Intelligence. Students are also taught how to live with a higher quality of life, take care of themselves, be a part of society as well as speak up freely about their rights, through the self-advocacy programme, the first in the UAE for people with Down syndrome. All the therapists and psychologists that work at the association are licenced by Dubai Health Authority (DHA), with the teachers
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