Dr Zubaida Rahman calls for making children with special needs self-reliant
Dr Zubaida Rahman, vice-president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, has stressed the importance of making children and adolescents with special needs self-reliant through proper education, treatment, training and care. She said every child is a valuable asset for the country, and with the right opportunities and support, the hidden talent and potential of every child can be developed.
She made the remarks on Monday while visiting Proyash, a specialised educational institution run under the patronage of the Bangladesh Army at Dhaka Cantonment.
On her arrival at the Proyash premises, she was welcomed by the institution's patron and president of the Sena Paribar Kalyan Samity, Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, and by Shirin Sultana, assistant patron of Dhaka Proyash. Students greeted her with flowers. Ishrat Shams Moli, wife of the defence adviser, was present as a special guest at the programme.
At the start of the visit, she was briefed on the specialised education, treatment, rehabilitation and skill-development activities carried out by Proyash branches across the country.
She then toured the institution's various activities and enquired about the students' education, creativity and progress.
She praised Proyash for its role in making children and adolescents with special needs self-reliant, bringing them into the mainstream of society, and creating employment opportunities for them through skill-based training.
Dr Zubaida Rahman described the students' success at the International Special Olympics and their achievements in information technology and creative work as a matter of pride for the country.
She said it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that no child falls behind for lack of opportunity.
She said the combined efforts of families, educational institutions and society are needed to develop the talents of children with special needs. With proper education and training, they too can make an important contribution to the country's development, she added.
She congratulated the parents, teachers and all concerned for the students' success.
She also praised the sincere efforts of Proyash's patrons, board of directors, principal and teachers, and wished the institution continued success.
At the end of the visit, Dr Zubaida Rahman enjoyed a cultural programme performed by Proyash students. Officials, teachers, members at various levels, students and media representatives were present.
