Fostering Independence and Dignity at the Hadaf Center
The Hadaf Center, located in Rabat, is dedicated to promoting social and professional inclusion for young adults and individuals with mental disabilities. Established on April 6, 2017, as part of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), this socio-professional center focuses on empowering individuals over the age of 17 through various training programs aimed at enhancing their autonomy and facilitating their integration into the workforce.
Recently, in celebration of International Women's Rights Day on March 8, the center organized a gathering that provided its beneficiaries with a platform to voice their professional aspirations while emphasizing the importance of women's rights. As noted by Amina Mseffer, president of the Hadaf Association, "This day allows each of them to express their desire for professional inclusion and their expectations regarding the recognition of women's rights."
Among the participants was Loubna Mseffer, who, despite her visual impairment, viewed the celebration as a chance to highlight her abilities and advocate for equal rights. With a passion for music, she aspires to pursue a career as a musician. Bouchra Bensghir, the center's director, shared insights on the center's origins, stating that it was founded in 1997 by parents seeking to create a supportive environment for their children with mental disabilities, eventually gaining public utility recognition.
Comprehensive Training Programs for Life Skills
Currently, the Hadaf Center serves 87 beneficiaries, offering a wide range of training and workshops designed to enhance their autonomy, uphold their dignity, and ease their socio-professional integration. The center features a ground floor, an upper level, and a basement housing multiple training workshops, including a pedagogical kitchen and a restaurant open to the public during the week. Meals and service are provided by young individuals with mental disabilities, guided by specialized trainers.
In a previous report, it was highlighted that visitors to the center can enjoy a refined and diverse culinary experience, prepared with care by a team of motivated and determined young apprentice chefs and servers with mental disabilities. The Hadaf Association is committed to creating a favorable environment for the personal and professional development of individuals with mild to moderate mental disabilities. To achieve this, they offer various training workshops, including artisanal jewelry making, sewing, floral arrangement, and computer skills.
Operating under the supervision of the Secretary of State for Persons with Disabilities, the center aims to prepare young individuals for active life. Beneficiaries can earn symbolic compensation through the sale of their creations, providing them with valuable work experience.
Through its initiatives, the association not only supports families but also advocates for better recognition of the rights of individuals with disabilities, promoting their rehabilitation and sustainable inclusion in society and the labor market. The Hadaf Center stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, demonstrating how inclusive practices can significantly alter lives for the better.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
