Maham Warraich, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize had the opportunity to forge new ties and become a proud partner of Stella Maris School in Belize.
This is a government-funded school for students who have special needs and is the only one of its kind in the area.
The lack of resources in Belize poses a challenge to the education system, however, those at Stella Maris School Belize have directed the funding they receive from the government to cater to the needs of all students in an inclusive way.
This institution works to help students develop practical skills in varying fields such as woodwork, where students learn to construct and present items such as benches, frames and napkin holders. Other classes include cooking classes, physical education and sewing classes where students learn the skill of sewing and eventually crafting different items.
The classes are taught in accordance with different ages which range from 4-18 years old.
Along with the educational curriculum, a great deal of emphasis is laid on teaching basic practical work, which helps these students develop a foundation to become productive members of society.
Recently, the increase in Covid-19 cases across Belize has limited and at certain times eliminated the amount of time students spend at school in person. For the Stella Maris School, this meant that during the lockdown, students were not able to attend school, nor could they turn in assignments and study remotely.
During this period, the staff at the school took it upon themselves to go and meet the students at their homes personally, all while adhering to the Covid-19 regulations.
The principal explained that during these visits, teachers were brought to tears as they saw the condition the lockdown had caused these students to be in because they were completely deprived of essential items and care.
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belize volunteered their efforts and are now offering their support to those students by providing care packages to all those that have been affected.
This partnership between the school and the Jamaat, is one that will continue to flourish in the years to come, insha-Allah.