Gov't Guarantees Hope for the Disabled

Contact: Dana Augustin

Monday, January 22, 2001 – The new School of Special Education operating out of the Soufriere Primary School was visited by a delegation headed by Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere, Hon. Dr. Walter Francois, on Friday January 12. The purpose of the visit was to undertake a site inspection of the facility and assess how the programme was moving along. 

At present, the School of Special Education can accommodate approximately twenty-five children. Dr. Francois has indicated that a shift system will be put in place so that more disabled children from the community can also benefit from the programme.

Director of the Peace Corps group in Saint Lucia, Earl Phillips says that he is pleased with the close working relationship on the programme between the Peace Corps and the Ministry of Education. "One of the things that the Ministry of Education has come forth and recognized is that there is a need to put Special Education in as many of our elementary schools throughout the entire island so that teachers can be trained with skills for special education," said Phillips.

After the tour, the parliamentary representative stated that he was impressed with the improved learning environment. "The ramps are in place, the washrooms are upgraded, the classrooms are fixed, the cupboards are in place, the tiles are in place and the lighting and painting, making it a very conducive environment for this kind of learning," said Francois.

According to Dr. Francois, the school will serve several purposes in the community. In addition to the existing School of Special Education and the Primary School, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College will soon be opening classes for Continuing Education, on the compound.

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