By Hala Khalaf (The National Newspaper,December 20. 2008 )
ABU DHABI // It is the only centre of its kind in the country, offering young men and boys a rare chance to turn their lives around. The campus in the desert outside Abu Dhabi does not look like much, but the staff at VEDC (Vocational Education Development Centre) in Al Shahama give hope for a job and a future to those who have nowhere else to go. (Picture: Students stage a play as part of the VEDC curriculum, which also emphasises interpersonal skills.)
Dr.Khodair Abid VEDC Principal
Join any of two vocational education pathways either Pre-apprenticeship or Apprenticeship pathway.................with amazing benefits.....
VEDC offers high standard sports facilities that allow trainees to practice and enjoy numerous sport activities and games. Sports complex features a vast gym, and Olympic swimming pool and basketball, volleyball, handball and tennis courts. It also includes a standard soccer field. VEDC is adopting a policy to provide the trainees with all sports facilities and resources they need. VEDC sports teams are to participate in various tournaments, competitions and contests held between other educational institutes.
VEDC features a large theatre that contributes in enriching the trainees' cultural aspect of life. The theatre is a venue for conducting a spectrum of social activities, movies shows, conferences and national functions.
VEDC are having, free of charge, three daily meals. The centre monitors and supervises food quality and quantity to ensure that the trainees are provided with healthy, tasty and adequate and delicious meals. Besides, there is a cafeteria that offers snacks and soft drinks at reduced process.
As a boarding school, VEDC provides the trainees with high quality accommodation in the form of dedicated barracks including all necessary facilities such as A/ C, good ventilation, toilets, bathrooms, lounges with TV sets, etc …
VEDC provides free of charge weekly transportation to and from trainees living areas (domiciles).
VEDC provides the trainees with necessary medical care at a dedicated medical clinic. Trainees also can use other hospitals if required.
There is a main mosque at VEDC. Besides, there are prayer rooms close to the classes where trainees can perform daily prayers within a few steps from their locations.
Social Facilities 
VEDC offers high standard sports facilities that allow trainees to practice and enjoy numerous sport activities and games. Sports complex features a vast gym, and Olympic swimming pool and basketball, volleyball, handball and tennis courts. It also includes a standard soccer field. VEDC is adopting a policy to provide the trainees with all sports facilities and resources they need. VEDC sports teams are to participate in various tournaments, competitions and contests held between other educational institutes.
VEDC features a large theatre that contributes in enriching the trainees' cultural aspect of life. The theatre is a venue for conducting a spectrum of social activities, movies shows, conferences and national functions.
As a boarding school, VEDC provides the trainees with high quality accommodation in the form of dedicated barracks including all necessary facilities such as A/ C, good ventilation, toilets, bathrooms, lounges with TV sets, etc …
VEDC provides free of charge weekly transportation to and from trainees living areas (domiciles).
There is a main mosque at VEDC. Besides, there are prayer rooms close to the classes where trainees can perform daily prayers within a few steps from their locations.