Special-needs teachers spanning seven institutions across the island engaged in a teacher-training programme that was spearheaded by the Digicel Foundation.

The Foundation has been partnering with special-needs schools islandwide to create 'centres of excellence' by providing improved facilities, equipment, resources and ongoing training for teachers and caregivers. The project also seeks to create a training hub with information communication technology links in each participating school, allowing students to learn by utilising visual and auditory experiences and three-dimensional (3D) learning tools.

caregivers

Schools that partnered with the Digicel Foundation on this initiative were: Early Stimulation Plus, Genesis Academy, Liberty Academy, the STEP Centre, Mustard Seed Communities, and NAZ Children's Centre in St James. The first phase of the project, dubbed 'Improving Special Needs Collaboratively', involved the training of over 80 teachers and caregivers across the island. The training began on Monday, July 22 and ended on Friday, July 26. It was held at Genesis Academy and Therapy Plus in Kingston.

The training was spearheaded by three specialised therapists who worked with the teachers and caregivers to improve weak areas while further improving existing areas of strength. Practical training and support was offered throughout the weeklong session, with the aim of empowering staff and parents to better care for special-needs children. Among the areas that were addressed were: Occupational Therapy, Academic Enrichment, Speech Therapy and Behaviour Therapy.

ongoing support

Hilary Sherlock, principal at the STEP Centre, is happy with the results of the training. "It was something that was well needed in terms of ongoing support for children with special needs. The Digicel Foundation has been very generous in providing us with a building, but the training will also help us to improve our programme," she noted.

Judine Hunter, programme manager, special needs, at Digicel Foundation, said there was overwhelming support from teachers and caregivers involved in the project.

"We were only too happy to be working on yet another project to benefit children with special needs. This was our first such training project and we have been pleased to assist in providing the necessary skills and best practices. So far, the support has been tremendous."

Meanwhile Samantha Chantrelle, executive director of the Digicel Foundation, has pledged the Foundation's continued support for children with special needs in Jamaica.