MetLife Foundation has partnered with the Disabled Child Foundation (DCF) to publish two Bangla Braille books for children with visual impairments, expanding access to reading materials and educational opportunities across Bangladesh.
The books, Selected Fairy Tales and Poems of Kazi Nazrul Islam, will be distributed to libraries, schools and institutions nationwide. The partnership also includes a skills development programme aimed at helping young people with visual impairments acquire skills to improve their future employment prospects, the organisations said in a press release.
DCF, established in 2005, works to promote disability inclusion through education and skills development. It also operates a Braille printing press to improve access to reading materials.
DCF Founder and Executive Director Nasrin Jahan said the initiative would help children with visual impairments engage more independently with Bangladesh’s literary heritage.
“Every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of reading and learning. Through this partnership with MetLife Foundation, we are expanding access to Braille books and helping children with visual impairments engage more independently with Bangladesh’s rich literary heritage,” she said.
MetLife Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Ala Ahmad said the partnership would help children and young people access educational resources, develop skills and pursue their aspirations with greater confidence.
“Education and economic opportunity should be accessible to everyone,” he said.
Established in 1976, MetLife Foundation has contributed more than $1 billion globally to communities where MetLife operates. In Bangladesh, it works with non-government organisations on economic empowerment, financial health and building resilient communities.
