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A.P.E.B.S. – Association des Parents d’Enfants aux Besoins Spéciaux

L’A.P.E.B.S. was founded in 1990 by concerned parents and volunteers with the aim to establish a school for children who cannot follow the regular education curriculum and require personalised education. The association admits differently abled students who experience difficulties in intellectual and adaptive functioning. Students are admitted after an assessment of their educational needs by a psychologist, a speech therapist, and an occupational therapist.

The association is governed by a committee of nine members, including the president, vice-president, secretary, vice-secretary, treasurer, vice-treasurer, and three other members. The school's staff includes an administrative director, a head teacher, an assistant head teacher, six teachers, three assistant teachers, a caregiver, part-time music, dance, and woodworking teachers, and a team of professionals consisting of a pedagogy consultant, a psychologist, a speech therapist, and an occupational therapist.

L’A.P.E.B.S. is registered with the Registry of Associations (No. 3301) and is affiliated with the National Council for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons (NCRD), the Mauritius Council of Social Service (MACOSS), and the NCSR committee (N/1013). It is also recognised by the Ministry of Education as a school for students with Special Education Needs (SEN).

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Services offered

L’A.P.E.B.S. is a specialised school that offers support in various areas, including:

  • Life skills programme
  • Sports
  • Dance
  • Creative workshops
  • Baking
  • Personal development through workshops and employability training

 

Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion Foundation: N/1013

History

L'APEBS was founded in 1990 by concerned parents and volunteers with the objective of creating a centre for children who struggled to follow the traditional curriculum and needed appropriate support. Today, APEBS has around 100 members and is known for its dynamic team, responsible staff, and dedicated volunteers who welcome children from all backgrounds and different regions of the island.

Board of Directors 2019/2020

  • President: Mr. Leckraz Burton
  • Vice-President: Mrs. Marie Liette Bourgault du Coudray
  • Secretary: Mrs. Pascale Manoovelloo
  • Assistant Secretary: Mrs. Mirella Paul
  • Treasurer: Mr. Allan Wright
  • Assistant Treasurer: Mr. Jean Michel Rayapen
  • Executive Member: Mr. Dhaneshwarsing Ramdenee
  • Executive Member: Mrs. Marie Claire Lagesse
  • Auditors: Mr. Madansing Barosa and Mrs. R. Kaudeer
Objectives
  • Operate a School for Students with Special Education Needs (SEN): Provide a learning environment tailored to the unique needs of students who require specialised education.
  • Offer customised educational plans and emotional support to help each student thrive.
  • Create pathways for students to gain practical work experience, enhancing their confidence and readiness for future employment.
  • Assist students in achieving a satisfactory level of physical, intellectual, and moral development to ensure their successful integration into society.
  • Provide guidance and resources to parents, enabling them to support their children's development and advocate for their rights.
  • Safeguard the rights of children and their families in the workplace and broader society, ensuring fair treatment and opportunities.
  • Promote Collaboration and Solidarity by fostering a supportive community among families with children needing SEN, through a system of moral and material support, encouraging mutual assistance and shared experiences.

 

Individualized Education Programme (IEP):

  • We conduct psycho-educational assessments to identify the specific educational needs of each student and collaborate with parents to create an Individualized Education Programme that addresses the unique needs of their child to ensure a targeted and effective approach to their education and development.
Main achievements
  • Sale of Workshop Products
  • Psychological Support for both children and their families.
  • Speech Therapy for children with language delays through regular sessions with a speech therapist.
  • Advocacy for the Rights of Disabled Persons to ensure they receive fair treatment and opportunities within society.
Sources of funding
  • Membership Fees: Rs 100 per member per year.
  • School Fees:
    • Rs 600 per month for students aged 8 to 20 years old.
    • Rs 1,100 per month for students over 20 years old.
  • Funding Sources:
    • Subsidies from the Ministry of Education.
    • Contributions from the NGO Trust Fund.
    • Contributions through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

 

How Can You Help?

  • By volunteering at the school.
  • By becoming a member of the Association.
  • By sponsoring a beneficiary: Rs 7,200 per year.
  • By making a donation.
  • By funding our projects.