Special needs children will be given special attention says prime minister King

Monday January 11, 2009 – Prime Minister Honourable Stephenson King has been commended for his efforts in reaching out to students with special needs.

The prime minister hosted students with special needs during the annual Christmas treat at his official residence at Vigie.

Officer in Charge of the Special Education Unit, Dale St. Juste, says the unit is grateful that access to the prime minister is inclusive of persons with disabilities and other special needs.

However, he says the general public needs to be made aware of the numerous challenges confronting special education centres on the island.

“This is includes the needs for specific teacher training in special needs education, improvement to the physical infrastructure of special education centres and a review of the status of special schools.

Mr. King says he places great value on children with special needs, and therefore reassured his commitment to enhancing the environment within which special schools operate.

He says he intends to hold dialogue early in the new year with officials of the Special Education Unit on the way forward.

“I believe that there must be a time even if it's an hour or two on a selected day in the year, when the prime minister must find a little time to be with such special people like yourselves. And as special friends, I must endeavour never, never to let you down. I am aware that there is still a lot of things to be done in the special needs schools; this we must take seriously.

Currently, there are four schools servicing children with special needs operating on the island, namely the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Dunnator School, the Soufriere Special Education Centre and the Vieux-Fort Special Education Centre.

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