Toastmasters International -Unlocking Talent

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Members of Mawaheb Toastmasters Club

In December 2023, Arya Chitra chartered the Mawaheb Toastmasters Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities, such as Down syndrome and those on the Autism spectrum, the club has fostered a strong sense of community, built friendships, and improved members’ confidence.

Chitra began working with youth and people with mental disabilities when she launched the Nikon Youth Program in 2015. The initiative offers a diverse range of educational opportunities for children of all ability levels interested in photography, optics, and imaging technology.

After years of involvement in this program, Chitra joined Toastmasters in 2020. “Once we shifted to in-person meetings [in 2022], I realized the need to create a dedicated communication club just for these incredible kids,” she says. “Working closely with them, I saw firsthand how essential it was for them to develop strong communication skills.” Chartering a Toastmasters club for those with intellectual disabilities became a dream Chitra was determined to make a reality.

To bring this dream to fruition, Chitra needed a space for members to meet. She turned to Wemmy de Maaker, who runs the Mawaheb Art Cafe—an art studio for adults with special needs. “Mawaheb” means “talents” in Arabic, and de Maaker had chosen that name for the studio as a reference to the various talents the programs help their student artists discover. The term was also the perfect fit for the club’s name, and a nod to the inclusive environment and shared values of both groups.

“I wanted to give [our members] a platform to express their voices.”

—Arya Chitra

Chitra’s clear plan for the program and the support of Past Area Director Abraham John and Neena Raina, a Toastmaster and mother of a club member, moved the charter process forward. “I envisioned this club as a place where they could develop not only communication skills but also leadership qualities, giving them the framework to grow and share their voices with the world,” she says.

John, Raina, and Chitra collaborated with de Maaker and posted fliers in the community center and around town. They were able to use the cafe’s social media accounts and existing support networks to connect with other people of determination—a term used in the UAE to refer to people with disabilities. “Since there are only a few dedicated centers for people of determination in our country, partnering with Mawaheb was essential for us,” Chitra explains.

Once they were attracting members, Chitra, John, or Raina served as Toastmaster for the meetings. Chitra says, “This collaborative support from Neena and John has been essential in keeping the program and meetings aligned and moving forward.

“Aside from the Ah-Counter and grammarian roles, we aim to run our meetings just like a regular Toastmasters session,” she adds. “We encourage all members to participate actively in each role. For evaluations, we use a panel format where everyone gets the chance to give feedback to each speaker, fostering a collaborative learning environment.”

Because every individual faces different challenges, the club’s mentor-mentee program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of each member. At meetings, Toastmasters mentors sit with different mentees to provide support in skill development and role preparation. “This approach not only promotes diversity but also helps manage attachment, as we’re mindful that strong bonds with specific mentors can create challenges if someone is absent,” Chitra explains.

The Mawaheb club often invites a Toastmaster from another club to bring a new perspective as General Evaluator. Members are encouraged to offer feedback on meetings too, to help the club meet more members’ needs. Chitra says, “This structure helps our members build confidence and communication skills in a familiar, supportive format.

“[Our members] have extraordinary stories to share, and I wanted to give them a platform to express their voices, combined with a skill set that empowers them to share their journeys—anywhere they choose to inspire,” she explains.

“The connection we share is truly irreplaceable, and there’s a certain magic in the perspective that people of determination bring to our lives.”