Z-Corp launches ‘I am talented’ contest in collaboration Al Wafa Centre in Sohar

Muscat: To encourage children with disabilities and special needs, The Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) recently launched an art contest “I am talented”. The art contest is being organised by the ‘collaboration team’ of Z-Corp in association with Al Wafa Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children. The ‘collaboration team’ comprises of a group of employees of Z-Corp who participate in community initiatives which are planned and executed by them.

The aim is to develop the artistic gifts, creative ideas and talent of the disabled and special needs children. The contest provides an exciting opportunity for children with disabilities and special needs from around North and South Al Batinah governorates to display their talent.  The aim of the contest is to encourage children with disabilities and special needs to participate and showcase their skill.

Entries will be evaluated based on creativity and the inspiration behind the artwork by a panel of judges. The photos will be sent via WhatsApp to the jury consisting of artists Muhammad Al-Shukaili, Ahmed Al-Balushi, Samsa Al-Esayi and Maryam Al-Balushi. Z-Corp will be represented by Faisal Al Mandhari, director of social communication at Z-Corp.

The art contest is being organised as part of Z-Corp’s corporate social responsibility to builds its programmes around factors such as employee engagement, community involvement and corporate giving. The objective of organising such events is to touch and improve upon the lives of the communities they live in.

The Zubair Corporation handed over several sets of crayons and art paper which will be distributed at eight centres of Al Wafa Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children in North and South Al Batinah governorates. Each centre will pick best paintings, out of which ten will be selected for the final contest.

Faisal Al Mandhari said, “This art contest is an important project that our team has announced. These children have their own exclusive vision and understanding of the world that surrounds them and we hope that through this art contest they find new ways to create and depict their ideas. Studies have shown that while art is important for all children, it’s vital for children with special needs and disabilities. Art activities strengthen self-confidence, social skills and verbal capabilities. We believe that embracing these special children’s work and honouring their creations will give them a sense of pride and accomplishment, and enhance feelings of self-worth. We will be recognising the talent of these children in North and South Al Batinah governorates and most importantly integrating them into society.”

The winners of the contest will be announced at a later stage.

A member of the ‘collaboration team’ said, “We feel a complete sense of satisfaction in organising events that make a difference in the lives of these gifted children. We want to take up similar projects that enrich the life’s of the people in the community we live.”

The Zubair Corporation’s strategy to bring focus to its continued and evolving socially relevant work as a responsible corporate house with intent to make a positive difference in the society.