Child Advocacy Network of Disability Organizations (CAN DO) in association with “Dharinnahtakaa Aharumen” and in partnership with the Indian High Commission in Male,’ has facilitated a training programme on mainstreaming children with special needs.
Twenty-six teachers who specialize in educating children with disabilities from schools in Male’, H.Dh. Kulhudhuffushi, G. Dh. Thinadhoo and Gn. FuahMulah will participate in this training hosted by Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust of India. The programme includes interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches in teaching children with disabilities and focuses on issues such as early intervention and assessment needs of children with disabilities.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the High Commission today, High Commissioner Shahare conveyed the commitment of India to continue to support such short-term training courses. He also announced an annual scholarship opportunity to interested Maldivians to pursue their degree program in India in the area of education for Special Needs Children.
“Since such training opportunities are limited for Maldivian teachers both at home and abroad, we are extremely grateful to the Indian Government and the High Commission, for their sponsorship of this important training” Hawla Ahmed Didi, Managing Director of ARC noted during the ceremony.
Access to education is one of the most serious challenges faced by children with disabilities and is one of the key priority areas for CAN DO and its members. Despite efforts by the Government and civil society, the Maldives is still greatly in need of teachers qualified in Special Education Needs (SEN) and training on inclusive education.
CAN DO is a network established by ARC that work towards full implementation of rights of children with disabilities. In addition to ARC, founding members of CAN DO include Association for Disability and Development (ADD), Beautiful Eyes Down Syndrome Association, Blind and Visually Impaired Association of Maldives, Care Society, Maldives Autism Association, Maldives Deaf Association (MDA) and Maldives Association of Physical Disables (MAPD).