Apasen and Apasen International Chief Executive Mahmud Hasan MBE has recently been invited to join a TV show in Bangladesh titled ‘Mukhomukhi’ (Face-to-face) on the Channel 24 to talk about Apasen-Phoenix special school. The episode was recorded on 23 February in Dhaka which is likely to be aired sometime in March. Renowned broadcast journalist Morshed Hassib conducted the interview where Mr Hasan explains the necessity of establishing a special school in Sylhet. ‘Mukhomukhi’ is a hugely popular TV show amongst Bangladeshi audience as it tends to include policy makers, diplomats and experts from a wide range of professional background.

Mahmud Hasan says he is quite ‘optimistic’ about the special school and he believes the model school will have a ‘broader impact’ on the wider community. Apasen International and Phoenix have been working together to establish a sustainable model school in Sylhet for marginalised children with autism and neurodevelmental disorders. The establishment aims to reflect good practice in an environment that supports specialised learning. The formal inauguration of the special school will take place in September 2019 with a first pilot intake of pupils.

On 5 January, Apasen International and Phoenix School have jointly organised a press conference at the London-Bangla Press Club office in east London to brief about the special school to be set up in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The two strategic partner, Apasen and Phoenix, have been working together to establish a sustainable model school for children with autism and neurodevelmental disabilities. One of the key objectives of the school is to offer a range of provision for marginalised children diagnosed with autism including sensory and therapeutic interventions along with a multidisciplinary approach to pupil needs.

While addressing journalists from different media outlet, the Chief Executive of Apasen International Mr Mahmud Hasan MBE has emphasized on raising awareness and developing relevant training programmes for the school’s leadership team and teachers. He says,

‘‘We aim to formally start the activities of our special school by September 2019 with a first pilot intake of pupils that autumn and a more sustainable intake in January 2020.’’

The Head Teacher of Phoenix School Mr Stewart Harris says, ‘‘Both strategic partners are committed to ensure the creation and maintenance of an appropriate and conductive learning environment.’’

Along with senior journalists and community leaders, the press conference was joined by the Deputy Head Teacher of Phoenix Ms Veronica Armson, Apasen International Chairman Helal Rahman, Trustee Mr Amir Hussain and officials from Apasen and Apasen International.