The Bank of Maldives (BML), through its Bank Fund, has supported the establishment of a new Special Education Needs (SEN) sensory and vocational classroom at Veymandoo School in Thaa Atoll, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to inclusive education across the country.
The initiative was led by 'Veymandoo Zuvaanunge Gulhun', a youth association based in Veymandoo, and is designed to enhance educational access for students with diverse learning needs while promoting their integration into the wider community. The classroom, now officially inaugurated, was developed to strengthen students’ capabilities, cultivate essential social skills, and address individual educational requirements. According to BML, future plans include expanding the facility to incorporate practical life skills training, such as cooking and sewing.
Ahmed Shauqath, president of the youth association, highlighted the significance of the project, stating that its main objective is to facilitate diverse activities in a specialised class for students with special learning needs. “On this occasion, I wish to extend our deepest gratitude to BML, on behalf of myself and the people of Veymandoo,” Shauqath said.
He continued, “I would like to express profound appreciation to the members of this association, all parties who provided assistance to this project in various capacities, and particularly to the contractor for completing the project work with such excellence and promptness.” The youth association received funding for the initiative through BML’s Bank Fund last year.
The bank described the investment as part of a broader strategy to support special education needs nationwide. It has consistently prioritised the provision of resources for students requiring specialised assistance, positioning itself as a key contributor to equitable educational development.
This year, BML has extended its support to Salahuddin School in Hulhumalé and Hiriya School in Malé, where new SEN classrooms have been established. Together, these facilities have improved the learning environment for more than 200 students, the bank said. In previous years, BML has donated essential equipment to SEN classrooms in 40 schools across the country and contributed to the development of computer laboratories throughout the atolls.
Education remains a central focus of BML’s philanthropic and corporate social responsibility efforts. The bank also invests in initiatives related to sports and environmental conservation, identifying these sectors as vital to national progress and community wellbeing.