AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY SPREADS CHRISTMAS CHEER TO STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Australian Embassy Direct Aid Program (DAP) Secretary Rick Adams (right) distributes Christmas gifts to the students of the Bartimaeus Center for Alternative Learning in Tiaong, Quezon during a recent visit for a site inspection of a DAP-supported project.
Forty five students with special needs participated in the gift-giving activity sponsored by Australian Embassy staff. A special presentation by the students for the visiting officials capped off the day’s event, with the school officials expressing gratitude for the Embassy’s support.
Managed by Bethsaida Community-based Rehabilitation Services for the Disabled Inc, the learning centre offers special education to impoverished children and young adults with Down’s syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, cerebral palsy, visual impairments and autism.
The Australian Embassy’s Direct Aid Program supported the construction of a classroom in 2007 to house classes for the students with special needs. The assistance gave the beneficiaries the opportunity to acquire a basic education and exposure to community living. #