MORE than 9,500 students with learning difficulties benefit from services provided by the Education Ministry.
The Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS) celebrates the Gulf Day of Learning Difficulties today under the theme ‘Together We Challenge Difficulties’.
Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi revealed yesterday that work was underway to ensure appropriate education was being provided to 9,534 students while also addressing their needs and requirements.
“Among the most important services provided are identifying the students, specifying their abilities and assigning them the appropriate tools they need,” added the minister.
“We have so far conducted 10,863 online classes for children with learning difficulties during the 2020/2021 academic year,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
“The computerised programmes we used or introduced are advanced in the field of learning difficulties plus qualified teachers assigned to each follow the progress of every student.
“During the academic year, we communicated 33,173 times with the parents of those children to assess their improvement.”
He said 203 teachers were qualified to teach students with learning difficulties.
Omar Bin Abdulaziz Primary School for Boys learning difficulties teacher Ali Al Banaa said the ministry was committed to improve the qualifications of special needs teachers in order to provide the best learning environment and opportunities for the students.
E-learning
“For decades, Bahrain has been proactive in providing educational services to students with learning difficulties,” he said.
“We have been able to develop the working force and shift smoothly to e-learning.
“We are proud that individual and periodic treatment sessions for students still take place while adhering to precautionary and preventive measures in light of Covid-19.”
Zahra Abdulnabi, a learning difficulties teacher from Granada Primary School for Girls, appreciated the significant gesture of celebrating the day.
“It is a precious opportunity to recognise those who face difficulties in learning, and the many services provided for them.
“The ministry paid attention to the students whether in classes or getting education through e-learning.”
Another learning difficulties teacher, Amina Bouali from Tubli Primary School for Boys, expressed pride in teaching such students.
“Together we can achieve the highest possible level of development and achievement,” she said.
“The ministry has given great attention to these students through learning difficulties programmes in public schools that provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and other services for students with learning challenges.”
Abrar Ahmed Hassan, a student with learning difficulties, has improved noticeably once she enrolled in the programme.
“The most noticeable change that I’ve observed in my daughter’s development this year is that she has become more confident in reading,” said Abrar’s mother.
“She participates eagerly during the class and even took part in a recitation competition. I am so proud of her success and I would like to thank her teacher, Fatima Shehab.”
Mariam Salah is another student who improved a lot once she enrolled in the programme.
“When I was first told that my daughter has difficulty in learning and had a hard time focusing in class, I was shocked,” said Mariam’s mother.
“When her teacher talked me through the process I welcomed it with open arms,” she added.
“One of the most important positives of joining the learning difficulties programme is my little girl’s improvement – her writing skills, reading skills, and self-confidence has sky rocketed as she reads and speaks classical Arabic fluently.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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