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.....
COUNSELLING
ACADEMIC ADVISING
SCHOOL BOOKS
Textbooks are distributed to Trainees at the start of each new class. All Trainees are responsible for the safe keeping and maintenance of their text books. Should a book become damaged due to Trainee negligence, it shall be replaced at the cost of the Trainee.
CENTRE ADDRESS
The address of the centre is: Trainee name Trainee number Trainee Company Vocational Education Development Centre IAT Technology Park Al Shahama PO Box 92559 Abu Dhabi UAE Tel: 025854920/5854922 Fax: 02 5854915
The address of the centre is:
Trainee name Trainee number Trainee Company Vocational Education Development Centre IAT Technology Park Al Shahama PO Box 92559 Abu Dhabi UAE
Tel: 025854920/5854922 Fax: 02 5854915
Trainees who are permitted to drive to the centre must obtain permission from the Principal as well as have written parental permission.
There will be a social club on camp, which includes a canteen and supermarket where Trainees relax, enjoy themselves and buy clothing and personal items. Trainees will pay for these as per normal from their own money.
There is a functioning laundry on camp and clothing can be handed in for cleaning. The laundry system will be explained to Trainees when they arrive.
Parents can apply to come and visit at any time and are encouraged to do so. Likewise there will be a number of parent open days where VEDC will invite parents to come and visit the centre and see Trainees perform in their environment. Parents and guardians are asked to contact the centre to arrange a meeting or visit to the centre with the appropriate member of staff.
Transport to and from the centre will be provided. A list of pick up and drop off locations that will be used for various locations to bring boys to the centre and to take them back home after every week will be published and distributed.
TRAINEE AWARDS
VEDC believes that it is very important to officially recognize Trainee achievement. Awards will be given for good behaviour, good performance and achievement. Trainees are encouraged to achieve the maximum results possible in all aspects of the course.
LIBRARY
There will be a library on campus which will have an internet library and books and magazines for communication, relaxation and research.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
All Trainees will receive a allowance of AED 2000.00 per month, whilst at VEDC. This money is intended so that they have money available for their personal use and expenditure. Loss of uniform etc may result in Trainees being required to pay for replacements. The Trainee allowance will be paid into a Trainees bank account. If a Trainee does not have a bank account one will be set up for him.
MESSING AND CATERING
There is a fully functional messing hall on campus where Trainees will be served three cooked meals a day. VEDC is committed to healthy living and all food will be prepared in the best possible manner giving the healthiest options and variety to Trainees.
Student Affairs 
