Families in need will have better access to a charity which focuses on developing young children’s brains, thanks to a $10,000 donation from Axis Specialty Limited.

The donation will enable the BSMART Foundation to provide a Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training (Smart) programme to families in need on a full or partial scholarship.

Allison Figureido, BSMART Foundation’s executive director, said in a press release: “We

are thankful that Axis can provide funding to families in need. We have a waiting list for families

who have identified their child as developmentally delayed and would like to access the programme.

“There was an increase in request for funding and request to participate in the programme on a pro-bono basis since the start of the year.”

A representative from the Axis Donation Committee said: “BSMART, the only organisation of its kind in Bermuda, creates individual programs for each child in accordance with their specific learning needs, boosting optimal results.

“We are honoured to partner with BSMART, making the after-school programme accessible to all children in need of this assistance,”

The After-School SMART programme is geared for preschool and primary aged children. It uses innovative multi-sensory neuro-developmental techniques.

Mrs Figureido said: “While the main focus of the SMART programme is brain development and learning growth, the programme recognises the multifaceted nature of appropriate development which allows young students to progress at their own rate.

“It also provides neurological and physiological stimulation that allow the child to learn automatic functions which are vital to success in the classroom. With time and exposure, children are better able to attend, acquire, retain, and reproduce at levels necessary to promote lifelong learning and optimal academic success.”

The After-School SMART programme runs daily during school days from 3.30pm to 5.30pm at the BSMART Learning Lab located at Ground Floor, 41 Cedar Avenue.

For more information, visit www.bsmartfoundation.org or e-mail admin@bsmartfoundation.org.