'Cruise of hope' leaves Jordan to Sharm al-Sheikh

The "cruise of hope" has left Aqaba in Jordan on Thursday, heading to Sharm El-Sheikh in an international trip to showcase the attention Kuwait pays towards people with special needs.
The cruise was seen off by the State of Kuwait Second Secretary, Ahmad Al-Harbash, the diplomat in Kuwait Embassy, Nasser Al-Ateeq and the Military Attache Falah Al-Sunni, along with top Jordanian military officials.
The trip aims to give mentally challenged people the chance to participate in different activities and blend with the society, said member of the cruise's board of trustees, Jassem Al-Bader, on Thursday.
The trip is supported by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Kuwait's ministries and organizations, he said. This category of society often faces trouble blending in, due to parnets' ignorance or financial issues, he added.
Badi Al-Dousari, also a board member, said the mentally disabled people require special treatment, since they face difficulties expressing their needs.
However, Al-Dousari noted that the trip had positive results, showing that these patients can be part of different activities and are capable of communicating with the society and other cultures, given the right circumstances.
Meanwhile, mentally challenged participant in the trip Mishal Al-Bader said he was pleased with this experience, noting that he volunteered in the marine forces in charge of the cruise.
The cruise arrived in Aqaba on Sunday coming from Sharm El-Sheikh after a long trip of visiting 33 ports in 21 countries, and is set to head back to Kuwait next December.