Not only does March 21 mark World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), but it is Lamees Hussain’s first day of work at THE One Al A’ali Theatre. THE One team first met the bubbly 23-year-old Bahraini a year ago, when they started hosting six students from Bahrain’s Down Syndrome Care Centre in Adliya for weekly vocational training sessions in the store.
As the company’s 16th challenged employee Lamees has already caused quite a stir, but being a star in her own right is reason for even more excitement! During Ramadan in 2007 she acted in the popular TV series Bela Rahma (Without Mercy) after being discovered at the Bahrain Down Syndrome Care Centre by famous actress Zainab Al-Askari. While her part originally did not include any lines, her eagerness soon landed her a mini script and Lamees shot to fame. Today she is still stopped in the streets and at shopping malls to be told what an inspiration she is to others. To top it all, the young actress also excels in sport, having won a silver medal in running and a bronze in shot put at the 2007 Special Olympics in China.
“Lamees’ sparkling personality caught our attention from the very start. Her cheerful enthusiasm and wonderful smile are just what we need on our shop floor. In her role as a part-time Sales Assistant she helps her new teammates with the pricing of accessories and is in charge of ensuring that the Bed section is always neat and tidy,” said Ali Hussain, Country Operations Manager for THE One Bahrain.
Lamees works five days a week for four hours a day for the funky furniture brand, which is aiming for 5% of their staff complement to consist of challenged employees by the year 2012. While their new star is up for the challenge, one thing is for sure, THE One is certainly up for employing the challenged.
