The Ta’alouf program, an educational program offered by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, has played a pivotal role in the journey of Huda Karam, a young Emirati woman of determination. Through Ta’alouf, Huda gained the support and confidence to participate fully in her community, empowering her to become an athlete with Special Olympics UAE while pursuing a degree in Mass Communications.
Launched in 2013, the Ta’alouf program is part of Al Jalila Foundation’s enduring commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive community, equipping parents, teachers, and caregivers with the knowledge to understand children’s individual needs through a range of training sessions, specialized programs, events, and community initiatives delivered in English and Arabic.
For Huda’s mother, Reem Abdelkader, Ta’alouf became a turning point. As a mother of two daughters of determination, she sees her mission as championing their abilities and ensuring they receive the opportunities they deserve. With dedication and persistence, she has worked to integrate her daughters into social and educational environments, opening broader horizons for their future.
Reem explained that she and Huda joined the Ta’alouf program in 2019, an experience that profoundly enriched their life and social skills and empowered them to participate more actively in the community. She emphasized that integrating children of determination is essential to building a truly inclusive society, saying: “We should never hesitate or feel embarrassed to showcase their abilities. On the contrary, we must highlight their potential, which deserves every form of support, care, and development.”
Huda echoed her mother’s sentiments as she expressed her gratitude for the program. “Ta’alouf gave me a deeper understanding of what inclusion really means. It helped me build my skills, taught me strength and patience, and instilled in me the belief that I am an active member of society.” She added that people of determination possess unique talents that deserve recognition and nurturing as part of the community’s core values of solidarity and support.
Her journey as an athlete is one of the clearest reflections of her growth. Huda credits her sporting journey to her involvement with Special Olympics UAE, where she has demonstrated exceptional ability, earning medals in running and football. Her accomplishments are a testament to her passion, ambition, and determination. Today, she serves as an Athlete Leader with Special Olympics UAE and sits on the Athlete Leadership Council at both regional and national levels. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she is completing her higher education in media, which she sees as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of people of determination, and raise awareness.
Huda emphasized that participating in programs and initiatives offered by government and private institutions is essential to fostering meaningful inclusion. Educational, sports, and cultural activities, she noted, play a crucial role in refining abilities, and nurturing talent.
