Minister for Education, Heritage, and Arts, Premila Kumar launched the Fiji School for the Blind's Music and Art Programme for 2022, last week on Thursday (17/3/22).
The $10,000 programme, sponsored by the ‘I See Love in Your Eyes’(ISLIYE) Art Initiative Committee, includes a complete set of band musical instruments and arts supplies, as well as a full-time tutor.
Also present at the event were Chair of the ISLIYE Art Initiative Committee, Ms Jenny Seeto, Madam Jane Ren-Seam (Patrons of the Art Initiative), and the Head of School of the Fiji Society for the Blind School, Ms Sharmila Chandra.
The Minister said that music and arts education is important for the holistic development of a child, whether they learn in their home, community, or in schools.
"Each person is unique and has special talents which should be encouraged and nurtured. The launch of this music and arts programme will allow our children to explore their abilities and refine them to the next level," said Minister Kumar.
"The exposure to arts and music from a young age helps a child in so many ways. It helps children in academic performance, develops innovative thinking and creativity; raises cultural awareness, and helps in decision making. Arts and music allow children to think outside the box, with many personal benefits that go beyond the classroom."
The Minister thanked the committee members for their vision for an arts and music programme for the students at the Fiji School for the Blind and highlighted the importance of these partnerships in assisting students with special needs.
"While the Government is doing its part, it is the additional assistance such as this that further supports our students in special ways. It ensures that children explore their talents and interests to grow holistically. The goodwill of people for our special children is critical because it is only through such partnerships that we can provide the kind of support that our children need to progress in life," said Minister Kumar.
During the event, students from the school sang for the guests, which the Minister said was an amazing performance, showing how there was the potential in every child for unique abilities and skills that deserve the chance to be developed.
The Minister concluded by thanking everyone who has been assisting the Fiji School for the Blind over the years and appealed to everyone to continue their support for this institution and its initiatives.