A.M.M. MUZAMMIL
KANDY: The 5th anniversary of the differently abled children was held on 4th February 2023 at Udunuwara Special Education Centre at Gelioya under the patronage of Mr. Jisty Fawmy, Chairman of Diamond Best Foods who initiated and conceptualized the aforesaid institution.
An Noor Centre (ANC) was inaugurated in 2018 as a subsidiary of Udunuwara Development Trust with 4 teachers and 10 students on its roll. The main objectives of the charitable fund are to promote education, economic development, and ethnic harmony.
Within a span of five years, a fully-fledged three-storied building complex was completed due to the untiring efforts of the founder and other generous donors’ contributions.
Over 60 children with disabilities are provided special education with over 15 teaching staff under the able guidance of the principal Dr.M.G. Farzana (MBBS), under an inclusive and versatile learning platform where they learn and socialise with children without disabilities to gain sound academic, social, and behavioural development, on equal footing.
Speech and occupational therapists, and other specialists such as physiotherapists, visit the school periodically.
ANC believes that Inclusive education is a step in the right direction in providing giant strides toward societal development.
It is against this backdrop that ANC’s devoted teaching staff work enthusiastically towards an inclusive society in which all children and young people can participate, regardless of their disability. They firmly believe participation is not a privilege – it is a right and they are entitled to the same rights as any other child.
The principal of Zahira College, Colombo, Trizvii Marikkar graced the occasion as the guest of honour, and Zahira OBA Exco members, Udunuwara Police OIC, Udunuwara secretariat’s development officer, Zam Zam Foundation members, teachers, students, and their parents were among those present on this momentous occasion.
The iconic ceremony ended on a high note with an aromatic and sumptuous lunch followed by coffee.
