Activities

 

Target Group

SWID Bangladesh serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including those with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, communication disorders, and behavioral disorders, through its various development programs.

Organogram

SWID Bangladesh operates under a structured governance system, ensuring effective management and monitoring of all programs.

Major Programs and Activities

• Special Education Teachers Training College: Provides training for teachers, SWID staff, other NGOs, and parents to improve human resource capacity.

• SWID Laboratory Model School: Offers inclusive education and practice teaching for students with intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Research and practice programs are integrated into school operations.

• Research and Publication: Develops and publishes disability-related educational materials and conducts research on intellectual disability issues.

• Clinical Services: Offers psychological, speech, and physical assessments, therapy, medical treatment, and guidance for parents.

• Sports and Cultural Programs: Trains children in sports and cultural activities, organizing national competitions and enabling participation in international events.

• Awareness Programs: Conducts workshops, seminars, and advocacy initiatives to promote understanding of intellectual disabilities.

• Academic Programs: Monitors school-level education, develops curricula and teaching materials, and provides training for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Special Education Programs

SWID Bangladesh provides specialized education tailored to the needs of intellectually disabled children, addressing gaps not met by mainstream schools. Key features include:

• Special Curriculum: Designed to meet the unique needs of children with varying levels of intellectual disability.

• Qualified Teachers: Educators receive specialized training to teach intellectually disabled students effectively.

• Low Teacher-Student Ratio: Maintains a 1:7 ratio to ensure individualized attention.

• Support Services: Provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and parental counseling.

• Adapted Physical Environment: Classrooms are designed for close supervision and safe play.

• Parental Involvement: Parents are trained and actively engaged in the education and development of their children.

Class Divisions and Curriculum:

• Grade 1 (0–6 years): Self-help skills, communication, motor development, play, cultural activities, and therapy.

• Grade 2 (6–11 years): Concept development, pre-academic skills, sports, cultural activities, and therapy.

• Grade 3 (11–16 years): Basic academics, pre-vocational skills, sports, cultural activities, and therapy.

• Vocational Training (16+ years): Vocational skill development, continuation of academics, sports, cultural activities, therapy, and leisure activities.

Other Activities: Advocacy for the social and educational rights of the intellectually disabled, development of special education models, curriculum and teaching materials, and promoting inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream education.

Associate Activities: 

SWID Bakul Mamun Multipurpose Arena

Overview

The SWID Bakul Mamun Multipurpose Arena is a multifunctional facility located on the 7th floor of the SWID Building. It was established to support the diverse activities of SWID Bangladesh, particularly for students with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD).

The arena provides a dedicated space for special education programs, vocational training activities, national and international disability-related events, sports competitions, cultural programs, and scouting activities.

Currently, all training activities of the SWID Vocational Training School are conducted in this arena.

Training and Services

The arena provides specialized training programs for individuals aged 21 years and above with neurodevelopmental disabilities, focusing on building independence and life skills.

Training areas include:

• Vocational and technical training
• Pre-employment skill development
• Daily living skills training
• Socialization training
• Therapeutic services
• Psychosocial counseling and guidance
• Religious and moral education
• Mental and physical wellness programs
• Meditation and yoga practice
• Computer training

These programs aim to help individuals become independent and socially integrated members of society.

Ahmed Abdur Rahman Conference Room

Overview

The Ahmed Abdur Rahman Conference Room is a modern and fully equipped meeting facility at SWID Bangladesh.

The conference room was established through the financial contribution of the Ahmed Abdur Rahman Trust, founded by Mr. Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan, the current President of SWID Bangladesh and a respected Freedom Fighter of Bangladesh.

Activities

The conference room is primarily used for:

• Regular meetings of the National Executive Committee of SWID Bangladesh
• National and international seminars, workshops, and consultations
• Advocacy and awareness programs related to neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Collaborative discussions with government, non-government, and international organizations

The facility plays an important role in strengthening policy dialogue, professional collaboration, and disability advocacy.

Haji Syed Ahmed Zarina Khatun Library

Overview

The Haji Syed Ahmed Zarina Khatun Library is located on the 4th floor of the SWID Building and serves as an important knowledge resource for professionals, students, researchers, and the wider community.

The library was officially inaugurated on 11 March 2023 by Mr. Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan, President of SWID Bangladesh.

Library Opening Hours

Sunday – Thursday
12:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Friday and Saturday: Closed

Library Collection

The library contains a diverse collection of books and materials including:

• Neurodevelopmental disability and special education resources
• Psychology and mental health books
• Motivational and self-development books
• Academic and course-related materials
• Philosophy, biography, and history books
• Religious literature
• Poetry and essays
• Science fiction, novels, and short stories
• Folk literature and culture
• Newspapers and magazines
• Research publications and reports
• SWID annual reports and publications

Library Resources

• Total Books Purchased: 113
• Total Gifted Books: 419
• Total Books in Collection: Approximately 1,853 books

The library also maintains accession registers and computerized records to manage and catalog its resources efficiently.

Library Membership

Current total membership: 23 members

• Lifetime Members: 3
• General Members: 20

Membership is open to SWID staff, trainees, researchers, and interested readers following the library guidelines.

SWID Shahana Munir Rooftop Garden

Overview

The SWID Shahana Munir Rooftop Garden is located on the roof of the 7th floor of the SWID Building. The garden has been developed as a therapeutic and recreational space for students with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Purpose and Benefits

Gardening activities provide both physical exercise and psychological relaxation, which are particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities.

Through gardening activities students can:

• Participate in planting and watering plants
• Learn about different plants and flowers
• Improve mental and emotional well-being
• Enhance physical activity and coordination
• Develop environmental awareness

The rooftop garden also includes a comfortable resting area for relaxation and social interaction. Students from the SWID Scout Group regularly participate in activities in this space.

SWID Café and Hospitality Training Center

Overview

The SWID Café and Hospitality Training Center is a vocational initiative designed to create employment opportunities for trainees from the SWID Vocational Training School who show interest and ability in cooking and hospitality services.

Training Activities

Selected trainees receive hands-on training under the supervision of an experienced chef. Currently 10 trainees are enrolled in this program.

Training includes:

• Cooking and food preparation
• Baking and snack preparation
• Food presentation and service
• Hospitality and customer service
• Food sales and small business skills

The café also serves special food items during Ramadan for Iftar, giving trainees practical experience in food service.

Impact

This initiative helps trainees:

• Gain employment-ready skills
• Build confidence and independence
• Contribute financially to their families
• Transition from being viewed as dependents to becoming productive members of society

SWID Ratnagarbha Shaheed Janani Khorshed Ara Mosque

Overview

The SWID Ratnagarbha Shaheed Janani Khorshed Ara Mosque was constructed with financial support from the Khorshed Ara Foundation on the rooftop of the SWID Building.

Religious and Moral Education

The mosque serves as a center for religious and moral education, particularly for students with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Activities include:

• Daily congregational prayers
• Religious education classes
• Moral and ethical development programs
• Observance of important religious occasions
• Community religious gatherings

The mosque can accommodate approximately 100 worshippers at a time.

Through these activities, SWID Bangladesh promotes ethical values, discipline, compassion, and social responsibility among students.

SWID Scouting Program and Scout Den

SWID Bangladesh Scout Group

The SWID Scout Group was established in 1994 and received official recognition from Bangladesh Scouts (Extension Scouting Division) in 1998.

The group operates under a 9-member committee, chaired by the Secretary General of SWID Bangladesh.

Scouting is an international educational movement that helps young people develop:

• Physical skills
• Mental and intellectual abilities
• Social responsibility
• Leadership qualities
• Spiritual and moral values

The main goal is to help young people grow into responsible citizens.

Recent Activities

Recent scouting activities include:

• Participation of 160 SWID scouts with NDD in the Special Needs Children Day Camp 2024 at the National Scout Training Center, Mouchak, Gazipur
• Organization of Scout Rally and Seed Ball Throwing Program
• Three-day Badge Course Training Program for scouts with special needs

Scout Den

The SWID Scout Den, located within the Bakul Mamun Multipurpose Arena, serves as the operational hub of the scout group.

It provides a space where scouts:

• Demonstrate their skills
• Work together on scouting projects
• Build friendships
• Earn scouting badges
• Participate in environmental activities

Dilara Mostafa Waiting Lounge

Overview

The Dilara Mostafa Waiting Lounge was established with financial support from Mrs. Dilara Mostafa, Vice-President of SWID Bangladesh.

Purpose

The lounge is designed to provide a comfortable waiting space for parents and visitors while students participate in their educational and training programs.

Located within the SWID premises, the lounge offers:

• A calm and secure waiting environment
• Seating and resting facilities for parents
• A well-organized and welcoming space for visitors

The structural framework of the lounge was generously constructed free of charge by Morsalin Steel Engineering Limited.

SWID Carer Group

SWID Bangladesh Carers Association

The SWID Bangladesh Carers Association brings together caregivers who support individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Overview

The SWID Carers Association is an initiative of SWID Bangladesh aimed at recognizing, supporting, and empowering the individuals who provide daily care to persons with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD), including intellectual disabilities and autism.

Caregivers are those who lovingly nurture, support, and protect individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. With patience, compassion, and dedication, they ensure the safety, well-being, and development of the individuals under their care. Their role requires significant emotional strength, time, financial resources, and continuous personal commitment.

In most cases, caregivers are parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members who devote themselves tirelessly to supporting their loved ones. Through their daily efforts, they play a vital role in improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities.

Purpose of the Association

The primary objective of the SWID Carers Association is to bring caregivers together under a unified platform so that they can receive recognition, encouragement, and necessary support.

The association seeks to:

• Provide moral support and encouragement to caregivers
• Promote awareness about the challenges faced by caregivers
• Facilitate opportunities for training, networking, and mutual support
• Advocate for caregiver rights and necessary social support systems
• Recognize the dedication and contributions of caregivers in society

Organizational Structure

The SWID Carer Association operates under the guidance and directives of the National Executive Committee of SWID Bangladesh.

• The National Executive Committee will take necessary policy-level initiatives for the development and support of caregivers.
• At the branch level, respective Branch Executive Committees will take steps to implement programs and activities that benefit caregivers.

Activities

Over the past year, the association has organized various programs including:

• Consultation meetings with carers
• Advocacy for recognition and legal rights of carers
• Discussions on policy initiatives for carers protection and support

One such meeting was held on 4 June 2024, focusing on the need for legal recognition and protection for carers in Bangladesh.

Commitment of SWID Bangladesh

Through the SWID Carers Association, SWID Bangladesh aims to reduce the challenges faced by caregivers and provide them with appropriate support, motivation, and recognition. This initiative reflects SWID’s commitment to ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to caring for individuals with disabilities are valued, supported, and empowered.