Muscat – After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association for the Welfare of Handicapped Children will host the Rainbow Carnival from March 17 to 19 at Azaiba Rehabilitation Centre in 18 November Street.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, H H Sayyida Hujaija Jaifer al Said, chairperson of the association, said, “We are happy to organise the Rainbow Carnival after a gap of two years.”

The carnival will be held from 4pm to 10pm on the three days and will include games, art and crafts, jumping castles, magic shows, live zumba, pony rides, bike rides, food trucks and other attractions.
According to H H Sayyida Hujaija, several companies will set up stalls to sell products for children.

“All funds collected will be donated to centres of the association. We have set RO1 as entry fee.”

The association has about 450 children – aged five to 14 – in nine centres in the wilayats of Seeb, Barka, Musannah, Azaiba, Quriyat, Jalan Bani Bu Hasan, Dhank, Yanqul and Saham.

“The carnival is also an opportunity to raise awareness in the community. Some people look at those with disabilities as incapable. I hope this attitude will change with more awareness in society.”

H H Sayyida Hujaija called on private companies to provide financial support to the centres to help the children as the pandemic stopped most of the association’s activities. “I also call on all families to attend the carnival with their children and participate in the festivities.”