On June 7th 2003, a dream came true for staff and special needs pupils at the Almancil School part of the Agrupamento de Escolas. This was most especially for teachers Sras. Rita Reis and Maria Mestre. Rita and Maria teach children with special needs whose ages range from 5 to 16 years. These childrens' problems include autism, downs syndrome, hyperactivity and depression.
The dream was to have a sensory room which would benefit these children.
Led by Peter Hinze, Almancil International Rotary Club Chair of Community Services, a project was started to provide equipment for a specific room that would provide a sense of calm, help and improve visual and auditory skills and help regulate behaviour.
Peter Hinze contacted local businesses including the Conrad Algarve hotel and QP Savills. Thanks to their contributions plus those of AIRC members and friends, the project was started. A local electrician, Hugo Pereira, donated the installation of the Electrical equipment and the Camara Municipal de Loule also made a contribution.
The room was completed with state of the art equipment including a water bed, music and many sensory lights and tactile objects for the children to use on occassions when Rita and Maria feel the children needed time out from their lessons.
On the 7th at a ceremony at the school attended by staff, teachers and members and quests of AIRC, the Sensory room was officially opened by Peter Hinze, Marco Cogolles (Conrad GM) and School Director Sra Rosario Millitao.