Special needs boy gets courage award from Dubai school

Dubai - His courage to overcome all the hazards that could be faced by a boy with special needs like him was honoured by the school recently.

Amir Said Bachache was born with multiple congenital problems that have restricted him to a wheel-chair. At the age of 15, he has already undergone 17 surgeries - first at the age of four- in addition to innumerable hardships he faced because of his physical condition.
However, the life of Amir, a Grade 9 student at Dubai-based The Oxford School, is an inspiring story of defying all odds. His courage to overcome all the hazards that could be faced by a boy with special needs like him was honoured by the school recently.
A special courage award was given to Amir for displaying amazing courage and determination to overcome tremendous pain and severe challenges.
The school organised a ceremony to appreciate and salute his courage and determination and tolerance of one of the happiest students of The Oxford School was organised on  Monday.
Amir, youngest son of an Algerian businessman based in Dubai, is thankful to his parents, brother and sister, and teachers for their support.
"I feel very happy for having received support from everyone. From my family, school and friends... It encourages me more to face things bravely. My message to all the children is to always stay positive and to never give up," he told Khaleej Times.
Amir's teachers speak highly of his self-reliance and his indomitable spirit. They say his can-do attitude in academics and insistence on independently tackling all tasks, and his determination in completing his work are qualities many other students can emulate. "Amir is not the one to beg for attention or to cry for help. He is a person who insists on being independent and competes with others on equal terms," said a teacher.
The ceremony to honour Amir was attended by Noora AI Mery, director of private education at the Ministry of Education, who showed great empathy and support for Amir and praised the school for supporting him and many others like him. She graciously offered all support from the Ministry of Education in this regard.
The other guests included Mohamed Derajey, general counsel of Algeria and Mohamed Balal from the Ministry of Awqaf.
"Too often, children with special needs are excluded. This attitude is a grave disservice to these beautiful children, to their families. However, Dubai, due to the inspirational leadership of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of  the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has already made a significant difference in the lives of these children. His vision ensures that Dubai is a tolerant, inclusive and happy society," said Aisha Ansari, principal of The Oxford School.
"At The Oxford School, the practice of tolerance and kindness and the creation of a positive environment has been a long-standing tradition. We have always included people with different abilities as part of our school community. Our school has taken a prominent role in exemplifying the core values of tolerance, openness and positive coexistence."
- sandhya@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai