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FREE Established 1961 Friday ISSUE NO: 17713 RABI ALTHANI 14, 1440 AH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Crown Prince attends 33rd US doesn’t want to be Rockets nab long-range record 8 Janadriyah Fest in Riyadh 10 ‘policeman of Mideast’ 43 in win as Warriors fall to Jazz PM opens extension of Amiri Hospital See Page 9 2 Friday Local Friday, December 21, 2018 We are all members PHOTO OF THE DAY of the society Local Spotlight By Muna Al-Fuzai [email protected] his article is a tribute to the silent group of peo- ple in society who suffer from injustice, indiffer- Tence and sometimes mistreatment or lack of appreciation because they are labeled as people with special needs or handicapped, because sadly they do Photo shows the architectual details of the facade of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Cultural Center in Kuwait City. — Photo by not have the capability to run, walk or play like others. Yassine Bensaid/KUNA They need special care - unlike other individuals - because of their disabilities but that special care doesn’t mean they don’t contribute in positive and important ways to our society. The types of disabilities can vary from physical, emotional to mental disability and bring a Local student turns bullying into songs host of health-related concerns. But the most prominent By Nawara Fattahova problems of people with special needs are not their health status, but the society’s view of them as inferior, ad experiences can sometimes lead to creative out- lack of respect, injustice and inequality, simply because comes. Being bullied at a young age in school inspired they are different. They feel insulted when others focus and motivated 14-year-old Kuwaiti student Noor their attention on their disabilities, especially at gather- B Qaddoumi to compose beautiful songs that have useful mes- ings, malls and restaurants. Or worse, when non-disabled sages. Noor, a talented student of Kuwait English School, people occupy parking spots designated for them or participated in the ‘Little Big Stars’ talent show broadcast on make fun of them. It is terrible and inhumane. MBC. Moreover, many public places lack the equipment or “I saw an advertisement about the audition of this pro- infrastructure necessary to accommodate disabled per- gram on TV. The same day I went to the audition with my sons in a proper and dignified way. For example, seeing- family. It took place in September in Kuwait, and the team impaired persons often cannot way in the malls or use chose those who qualified. Then we traveled to Lebanon in elevators by themselves because these places do not October, where the show was filmed. The episode where I provide the necessary navigation tools. Also, roads can participated was broadcast earlier this month (December),” make a person with special needs vulnerable to traffic she told Kuwait Times. accidents. There are other problems faced by disabled Noor’s talent is in writing and composing songs about persons - mistreatment by the family that thinks they humanitarian issues such as bullying, pollution, injustice and must sit at home without regard to their right to mix with others. ‘Little Big Stars’ is not a competition but rather a people and get a job, along with showing the respect platform to showcase children’s talents. It includes various they deserve. themes such as singing, mathematics, exercise, athletics, cooking and other talents. So there is no doubt that there is a need to change societal attitude towards people with special needs and Kuwait Times: Why choose humanitarian issues for your respect the differences in others and accept them with- songs? out pity or contempt. This is a problem in the Arab Noor: I feel it’s important to be able to discuss and pres- world. I believe there is a need to have awareness pro- ent a message. Some people are feeling depressed due to grams targeting the society and families with disabled being bullied, and I want to help them. This is a kind of sup- Noor Qaddoumi persons - this is the role of the media. port for them, and to tell them they are not alone. Through I recently read some good news, where MP Mubarak my songs, I want to encourage them to speak loudly about whenever I play it. I learnt playing it on YouTube, and now Al-Hajraf said there are plans to treat disabled people in their problems. it’s almost a year that I’m playing the ukulele. I feel it pro- the same category as those with 10 years of service for ‘Don’t Hide It’ is the name of the song that I composed on duces happy melodies. I only write songs in English but I retirement. Hajraf said in a statement that the committee bullying. Through this song I tell victims of bullying not to wish to write in Arabic as well in the future, when my Arabic of persons with disabilities discussed 21 amendments to keep this bad experience to themselves, but to speak about gets better. I’m also learning to play the guitar and piano, in the disabled law, pointing out that there is a consensus it to get help from others. As I went through this experience, addition to ballet. with the government on some points, most notably the it made me able to compose this song. I also presented this age of retirement - 15 years for men and 10 years for song at an anti-bullying conference and during a school KT: When did you start composing songs? women. I think it is good that some are thinking about show, where I ranked third among the participants. Noor: I started at the beginning of this year, so it’s been those who cannot express their rights in a clear and When I was a child at school, some older students used to almost a year now. I registered with the school choir in third frank manner and are often ignored by society. bully me, especially since I wear glasses. They used to grade. They trained me how to sing and taught me how to do notes. I also participate in the British School in Middle East What always bothers me is that people with special threaten me and ask me to do things that would make me get music festival every year. I compose songs on injustice, pol- needs have a right to entertainment too. They should be in trouble. At first I kept it to myself and was sad, as I didn’t lution, gossiping and bullying, and am working on ideas for provided with appropriate recreational activities and want my mom to get upset. I even told my mom I don’t want to go to school. But later I decided to tell my parents, who new songs. their access to these places must be facilitated. It is informed the school administration. I would like to become a lawyer. I want to defend those important for any entertainment venue to have a section who suffer from injustices, as I lived through this experience. dedicated for special needs people. I believe they are KT: Which musical instrument do you play? I also want to become a popular singer. Music is a great way strong to fight for their place in this life and in societies Noor: It’s called a ukulele. It’s kind of a small guitar with to express yourself and your feelings - it’s my way to send a that only see their outer selves - they are heroes. four strings. I like this instrument as it makes me happy message. 4 Friday Local Friday, December 21, 2018 KUWAIT: Businesses, hotels, community groups and churches celebrate the Christmas holiday in Kuwait with a variety of decoration, caroling and other social activities. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat and Christopher David Friday 5 Local Friday, December 21, 2018 6 Friday Local Friday, December 21, 2018 Biking to work By Nawara Fattahova carry an extra outfit,” he pointed out. “I used to cycle back home in France before coming to icycling on the seaside has become very popular, espe- Kuwait, and I enjoy it. Riding a bicycle is good for my body, Bcially during winter when the weather is pleasant. But and it’s less stressful due to the traffic and parking. There are it’s rare to see people using bicycles to head to work, around three other people who cycle to work at Al-Hamra mainly due to the extremely hot weather in Kuwait most of the Tower but not in the same company, so we have a special year. One of such people is Nadal Casenove, a 41-year-old space to keep them,” he said. French resident, who cycles to work not only in winter, but Sometimes, riding a bicycle can be dangerous. “Once during summer as well. What is more impressive is that it’s not a driver almost hit me and I fell off the bicycle as he over- due to not owning a vehicle or a driving license, but for it took me and made a sudden turn without bothering to see being a faster way to reach office and that I was there. People here are not a form of exercise too. used to cyclists on the roads and are “Most days I use the bicycle to Riding a bicycle is not careful. Also, the roads are not reach the office, but sometimes I meant for bicycles unless on the sea- choose to walk. By bicycle it takes me good for my body, side.