Students from the Advanced Certificate in Social Services Work and Bachelor of Social Work programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) participated in an evening event organised by the Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities (MAPD) to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2024.
The event brought together children and adults with disabilities for an evening of games and engaging activities. Through their participation, FHS students had the opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engage in meaningful community activities.
The experience provided students with practical opportunities to develop their interpersonal and social work skills while gaining a deeper understanding of disability, inclusion and the importance of creating accessible and supportive communities.
For students preparing for careers in social services and social work, direct engagement with people with disabilities can complement classroom-based learning by providing opportunities to apply professional values and communication skills in real-world settings. The event also encouraged students to reflect on the importance of empathy, respect, participation and social inclusion in social work practice.
The initiative strengthened the connection between professional education and community engagement, while providing students with an opportunity to contribute to an event that celebrated the participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
FHS’s participation reflects its commitment to developing socially responsive health and social service professionals and providing students with experiential learning opportunities that promote inclusive practice.
The initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on wellbeing and inclusion, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential learning, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through promoting the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration with the Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities.
