Empowering Special Needs Students

On Wednesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali inaugurated the Exceptional Learners Centre, also referred to as the Special Education Needs (SEN) Unit, located in Region Two. This centre, built at a cost of $94.7 million, was funded by the Government of Guyana through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and constructed by local contractor Builder’s Engineering & Architectural Consultancy.

The BNTF, a grant initiative supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), seeks to alleviate poverty by ensuring equitable access to quality education, particularly for children with special needs. President Ali highlighted the government’s dedication to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for learners with disabilities, acknowledging the unwavering commitment of parents to their children’s education and assuring them their concerns have been recognized.

He underscored the transformative power of education in combating poverty, asserting that investments are being made to facilitate easier access to learning for every child in a nurturing environment. The President emphasized the need for dedicated individuals in special education, praising the teachers at the centre for their essential role.

“We are on a mission to train graduates free of cost; this is an investment we are making. However, special needs require special people; the intake is not as broad as for other teachers because special needs teachers must embody love and compassion,” he remarked.

President Ali also applauded the efforts of special education teachers and emphasized the government’s broader strategy to enhance the education sector with necessary resources. He announced the imminent launch of the Guyana Digital School, which will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to enrich learning experiences and cater to the diverse needs of students.

“We are creating an environment that fosters learning at every level, addressing not only academic but also remedial needs through the Guyana Digital School. Our goal is to maximize outcomes and integrate health services for these children,” he stated. The Exceptional Learners Centre aims to be a hub of hope, focusing on both educational and mental health support. The Ministry of Education has implemented Guidance Counsellors in schools to offer emotional and psychological assistance.

Beyond infrastructure, President Ali advocated for a comprehensive approach to special education, revealing plans for dedicated special needs centres in every administrative region. A new centre is currently being constructed in Cummings Lodge, with another planned for Region Three, further illustrating the government’s commitment to inclusive education.

“Providing every citizen with opportunities is essential. In Region Two alone, we have invested $6.7 billion in education over the past four years,” he noted. The President highlighted the tangible benefits of these investments, evidenced by improved student performance across the nation. He reiterated the government’s pledge to ensure that every school meets a national minimum standard, including access to recreational facilities, learning materials, and technology.

Dr. Keon Cheong, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Special Education Needs), stressed the significance of early intervention for students with intellectual disabilities. He stated that education is a fundamental right, and these Exceptional Learners Centres serve as vital resources for children who have been marginalized in the past. The centre can accommodate 30 learners and is designed to offer individualized support that goes beyond physical disabilities, featuring a specialized curriculum and trained educators. The programme also includes speech therapy for students diagnosed with speech impairments.

Caribbean Development Bank President, Daniel Best, characterized the centre’s inauguration as a pivotal moment in advancing inclusive and equitable education. He explained that the project embodies the mission of the Caribbean Development Bank to transform lives through education. The centre was strategically located near recreational facilities and government services to enhance accessibility for all learners.

Describing the centre as a sanctuary of hope, Best emphasized its role in ensuring that children with special needs receive the education and support they rightfully deserve. Regional Education Officer, Shondelle Hercules, expressed pride in the centre’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity.

The school serves 10 out of 13 categories of Special Needs Learners in the region, with intentions to expand its services to encompass the remaining categories. Continuous training for teachers and updates to the curriculum will guarantee that the centre adapts to the evolving educational demands.

Officially opened on March 4, 2024, the centre places learners in classrooms tailored to their specific needs, including those with autism, intellectual disabilities, and speech impairments. Activities offered at the centre range from art and music to yoga and academic subjects like mathematics and science.

Since its launch, the centre has witnessed strong cooperation from parents, and teachers remain committed to assessing and supporting students based on their individual capabilities. The Exceptional Learners Centre stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring no child is left behind in Guyana’s educational landscape.