Staff at Sharjah Museums Department have raised money for a children’s special needs centre, and presented the cheque yesterday at a special Iftar gathering.

The funds, raised from staff donations, went to the Awladouna Center for Learning & Rehabilitation, which provides educational and rehabilitation services for children with a range of special needs and learning difficulties.

Yesterday’s staff Iftar is part of the SMD’s commitment to social responsibility under its ‘Because We Care’ community initiative and it coincided with Zayed Humanitarian Day.The Iftar was held at the new Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.

It is the second charitable Iftar event the SMD has hosted this year. Last week, the Sharjah Discovery Centre welcomed 30 orphaned children to a special Iftar event organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Charity Association.

The children enjoyed an introductory tour of the exhibition hall, an “art of paper” recycling workshop, scientific demonstration, games, and the chance to have their photos taken with the dinosaur, cartoon characters, clowns. The purpose was to promote the fact that orphans are valued members of society.

The aim of both Iftar events is to enhance and support humanitarian values in the community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and to embody a spirit of compassion and brotherhood.