Innovarterm Concludes 'Hero's Journey' Program with Graduation of Autism Trainees
Innovarterm initiative concludes the Hero's Journey program by graduating trainees with autism, with officials and companies affirming their professional empowerment and integration into the job market through training and partnerships.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
The “Inovartism” initiative concluded its first edition of the “Hero’s Journey” program with a graduation ceremony for trainees with disabilities from the autism spectrum, under the patronage of Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili. The event emphasized linking training to professional empowerment and transforming creative talents into opportunities for participation in the labor market.
Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Khalifa Al-Hilaig, who delivered a speech on behalf of Minister Al-Huwaili, stressed that true empowerment begins with discovering human potential, nurturing talents, and providing opportunities for participation and production. He highlighted an approach that shifts from care to empowerment, while promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities.
Al-Hilaig noted that the initiative is the result of more than two years of work, studies, and experiences, reflecting the importance of investing in human capital and the integrated efforts of government institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
He added that the initiative translates this direction by leveraging arts, technology, and innovation to develop the creative and professional skills of neurodiverse individuals. Its first edition allowed participants with autism spectrum disorder to express their talents and transform their ideas into artistic and media works that reflect their capabilities and potential.
Experts assisted participants in discovering their ideas and developing their skills through creative techniques, artificial intelligence tools, and academic competencies, enabling them to turn their imagination into stories, characters, and works showcased during the ceremony.
For her part, Sheikhah Fawwaz Al-Sabah, Organizational and Administrative Partner of the “Inovartism” initiative, stated that the program’s conclusion and the screening of films by young creative talents reflect the progress they have made in their skills. She noted that she witnessed their daily challenges, which ultimately revealed exceptional talents in each participant.
On his part, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, affirmed that the “Inovartism” program offers an inspiring model for utilizing art and creativity to open new horizons for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. He emphasized that the Council’s responsibility extends beyond supporting the cultural landscape to expanding opportunities for participation and creativity, and building partnerships that allow diverse talents to flourish and reach society.
Acting Secretary General of the Waqf General Secretariat, Eng. Janan Al-Zamil, stressed that supporting neurodiverse individuals must go beyond awareness and training to empower them to actively participate in society and the labor market, transforming their capabilities into sustainable professional and economic opportunities.
Khalid Al-Mutairi, Executive Director of Strategic Sector and Corporate Affairs at Kuwait’s Ooredoo, emphasized that the private sector’s responsibility lies in moving from talk about inclusion to providing real opportunities for empowerment. She noted that the initiative’s success extends beyond film screenings and celebrations, as talents become opportunities, ideas become projects, and capabilities translate into genuine contributions to society.
Al-Mutairi shared her experience participating in an artificial intelligence workshop that transformed the dreams of participants with autism spectrum disorder into films. She said, “I left my office in the middle of a busy workday to share some of my expertise with them, but I returned having learned more from them than I taught them, after witnessing their intelligence, creativity, and boundless imagination.”
Finally, the Head of Human Resources and Public Services Group at Warba Bank, Maali Al-Rashid, announced that the bank will train a group of program graduates to provide them with practical experience, paving the way for their integration into the labor market.
Al-Rashid stated that “the Bank’s participation in InovaTrax is rooted in the belief in the importance of supporting and empowering neurodiverse youth, providing them with opportunities to develop their creative and technical skills, and enhancing their readiness to enter the labor market and actively participate in the private sector.” She explained that the initiative offers a model of what effective partnerships can achieve when a human-centered vision converges with creativity and technology, transforming social responsibility into practical action that creates a real and sustainable impact on the lives of individuals and society.
