'Innovatizm' Initiative Celebrates Graduation of First Cohort of 'Hero's Journey' Training Program for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Innovatizm initiative celebrated today, Sunday, the graduation of the first cohort of its “Hero’s Journey” training program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), aimed at developing their creative and professional skills and enhancing their empowerment opportunities. The initiative’s program, sponsored by Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailan, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, trained 14 participants over a week in storytelling, character creation and illustration, culminating in the production of a short film using artificial intelligence technologies under the supervision of local and international experts. Their works will be published on social media platforms and screened in cinemas.

Innovatizm is a national community initiative with a humanitarian mission, launched in Kuwait on October 25 last year. It includes training programs, local and international conferences, creative spaces, and awareness campaigns aimed at empowering individuals with neurodiversity creatively, professionally, and economically.

Dr. Khalifa Al-Hilaig, Deputy Director General of the Public Authority for Persons with Disabilities, emphasized in a speech delivered on behalf of the event’s sponsor, the Minister of Social Affairs, the importance of discovering the talents of individuals with ASD, developing their capabilities, and providing them with opportunities to participate and produce. He stated that the initiative represents a model of transitioning from care to empowerment by leveraging arts, technology, and innovation to develop participants’ creative and professional skills and enhance their social integration. He added that the program enabled participants to express their talents and transform their ideas into artistic and media works, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in providing professional opportunities and converting training into productive employment. He affirmed the Authority’s continued efforts to support persons with disabilities, promote equal opportunities, and empower them to participate in various fields.

For her part, Manal Al-Gharbali, founder of the Innovatizm initiative, said the program was the result of more than two years of work, experimentation, and development aimed at discovering the talents of individuals with neurodiversity and nurturing their creative and professional abilities. She explained that the works produced by participants will be used in an awareness campaign aimed at conveying their ideas and messages to society, and noted collaboration with the initiative’s private-sector partners to provide job opportunities for several graduates.

For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, stressed the importance of leveraging culture and arts to develop the talents of individuals with ASD and providing them with opportunities to express themselves and participate in society. He clarified that the Council is committed to supporting talents and building partnerships that contribute to their development and showcase them through cultural and creative initiatives.

On her part, Eng. Janan Al-Zamil, Acting Secretary General of the General Secretariat for Waqf Affairs, stated that the program combines training, empowerment, and creative production through a partnership between the General Secretariat for Waqf Affairs and MP Vision Studios, in collaboration with the Kuwait Autism Center. She added that supporting individuals with neurodiversity requires moving from awareness and training to providing opportunities for participation in the labor market and transforming their skills into sustainable professional opportunities, emphasizing the role of waqf in investing in human capital and developing capabilities.

For her part, Fawaz Fahad Al-Sabah, a production partner of the initiative, expressed pride in the participants’ skill development and creative abilities, commending the cooperation among government entities, the private sector, participants’ families, and experts and trainers in ensuring the program’s success.

The ceremony featured creative presentations by participants and honored the graduates of the first cohort of the “Hero’s Journey” program, attended by representatives of government entities, the private sector, partners, sponsors, and the graduates’ families. (End) A.Y.S./A.A.H.