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
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GENERAL
Safety is paramount at all times whilst at VEDC or during training away from the centre. All Trainees must be vigilant and help prevent accidents and emergencies where possible. VEDC is dedicated to the ‘duty of care’ of all Trainees whilst at the centre. Trainees will be monitored and supervised at all times when at VEDC. When on recreational trips to malls/fun parks, Trainees will be allowed to roam freely and will be expected to adhere to the rules of the location and ensure they meet the transport at the end of the trip.
All VEDC Trainees and parents/guardians must bear safety in mind and must be mindful of the security issues affecting the camp. They will hopefully not impinge on Trainees education and development, but are nevertheless a factor of life.
FIRE
The purpose of evacuation is to lead people quickly from an internal unsafe or potentially unsafe place to an external safe area. The centre has established procedures for emergencies.
MEDICAL AND DENTAL COVER
VEDC has a fully functioning medical centre which Trainees will have access to when required. Additionally all Trainees will be taken to a nearby civil hospital for more serious ailments or injuries. All training will be risk assessed and adequate medical cover will be on hand to ensure accidents and injuries are dealt with immediately by qualified people. The care and well-being of Trainees is our major concern at all times.
VEDC has a fully functioning medical centre which Trainees will have access to when required. Additionally all Trainees will be taken to a nearby civil hospital for more serious ailments or injuries.
All training will be risk assessed and adequate medical cover will be on hand to ensure accidents and injuries are dealt with immediately by qualified people. The care and well-being of Trainees is our major concern at all times.
All medical and dental treatment will be conducted either in the VEDC medical centre or governmental hospitals.
All Trainees must arrive with a valid government medical card. Only Trainees with medical reasons will be allowed to sunglasses during training hours. Note: Trainees with any medical condition i.e. asthma, must inform the staff on arrival at the centre.
FITNESS CENTRE
In addition to doing programmed physical training and sport, the VEDC gymnasium will be available for Trainees who wish to utilise the facilities when not required for programmed lessons.
Safety 
