Tori Foundation celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its School for Gifted Children (SGC) on Tuesday with a discussion and cultural programme featuring performances by students with autism and other special needs.
The event was held at Crystal Palace of Gulshan Club in Dhaka.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan attended the programme as the chief guest. Vice-Chancellor of ZNRF University of Management Sciences Prof Dr M Zubaidur Rahman and Gulshan Society President Barrister Omar Sadat were present as special guests.
The programme was chaired by Tori Foundation Chairperson Md Abdullah. Among others, Religious Affairs Secretary and Tori Foundation adviser Munshi Alauddin Al Azad and Savoy Ice Cream Factory Ltd Managing Director and foundation adviser Niaz Ahmed attended the event.
Addressing the programme, the information minister said children with disabilities are an integral part of society and urged everyone to adopt a positive attitude towards them and extend greater support for their development.
He also called on private companies to provide assistance to Tori Foundation through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and praised the School for Gifted Children for its work in promoting inclusive education.
Prof Zubaidur Rahman announced that his university would provide special opportunities for students with disabilities, while Barrister Omar Sadat encouraged individuals and organisations to support the foundation's activities.
In her welcome address, Tori Foundation Co-founder and Director Marufa Hossain said the organisation now aims to establish a comprehensive education, training and rehabilitation centre where children, adolescents and adults with special needs can receive support and develop life skills at every stage of their lives.
The programme concluded with cultural performances by students of the School for Gifted Children.
