A school for pupils with learning difficulties has marked the start of Intellectual Disability Development Awareness Month.

The Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy in Devonshire said it wanted to highlight the work it does and the people it was set up to serve.

Margaret Phillips, the DMBHA principal, said the school had “adopted the celebration of Intellectual Disability Development Awareness Month to bring awareness about the work of the school, our students, and their families”.

She added: “Partnering with parents and community stakeholders, along with interdisciplinary teaming across Ministries is needed to make this happen.

“This falls in line with the mission of Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy – to serve students with exceptional needs, supporting each student through collaboration with families and community organisations to ensure that they achieve their ultimate potential.”

A series of events will be held, including information sessions, virtual workshops and activities to celebrate the school’s pupils.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said: “Knowing that students at Dame Marjorie Bean are impacted in areas of learning, receptive and expressive language, self-care, mobility, social skills and sensory integration, we need to have a highly skilled team and training in targeted, research, and evidence-based strategies.

“Professional learning and training will always be encouraged, and I believe principal Phillips and her team are doing a phenomenal job in this regard.”

The Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy gives learning support, as well as medical and therapeutic treatment, to pupils aged between 4 to 18 with severe difficulties.

Tinée Furbert, social development and seniors minister, said: “This year, the school is using the theme ‘It Takes a Village’ because it takes the collective support of home, school, and community across the life span for our students to effectively access their environment, integrate and live full, productive lives.

“I was honoured to join the students on World Book Day to share stories and to see their love of learning.”

March was designated Intellectual Disability Development Awareness Month in the US in 1987 by then-president Ronald Reagan.

For more information on events or to donate to the school, e-mail jperry@moed.bm