Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced the development of a Special Education Needs (SEN) classroom in Gaafaru, Kaafu Atoll to support the special needs children in the community. The initiative is part of the community fund, a nationwide campaign to empower individuals to contribute to society by conducting sustainable community projects.
The classroom is designed to help children with special needs with the opportunity to learn through exploration, investigation and experiences which would positively impact their learning and development. With the beginning of the new academic year, the classroom is now in use after major refurbishment and with the supply of all required equipment.
Manager of Public Relations of BML Mohamed Saeed said the special education classroom is well equipped with all materials and equipment needed to support the learning and development of children. Saeed said the project gives great comfort to the parents and children, especially with the beginning of the new academic year. He added the aim of the bank is to support the development of projects through community fund initiative and assisting to successfully complete projects in islands.
Commenting on the project, Executive Director of Aboobakuru Ali Foundation Aishath Sana stated the foundation always aims to support educational needs. Sana said the new classroom is built after a lot of research on how SEN classroom are operated in Maldives and also in other countries. She said the opening of the classroom will enable occupational therapy and play therapy to be provided to the special needs students.
Under the community fund initiative, BML select and allocate about USD 3,200 to five projects in the areas of education, environment, sports and community development during each quarter of the fiscal year. During 2019, BML contributed about USD 65,000 to support projects conducted in 20 islands.