Kiwanis Club donates inclusive coloring books to BCD

The Kiwanis Club Pride of Barbados is seeking to promote and facilitate an inclusive Barbados.

Today, the Club handed over 40 inclusive play colouring books to the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD), during a presentation at the Council’s Harambee House, Garrison, St Michael. The Club’s President Nicola Yard said the organization believes in equal opportunities for all.

She said the Club has created a colouring book for young children, aimed at helping children accept each other despite differences. Yard said each page depicts a child with a disability playing with a child without a disability.

“We strongly believe that if we can get children to accept each other despite their physical or intellectual differences, we will create a more compassionate and understanding society – a society where there are equal opportunities for everyone, where there are no stares, rude comments, or any form of bullying.

“After all, ‘We Are All Able’. We are handing them over to the Council so that they can use them and distribute them how best they think they will be utilized,” Yard said.

Yard added that the HIV/AIDS Commission fully sponsored the books.

BCD Public Relations Officer Christopher Gilkes, who said he looked at the book’s contents, applauded the initiative saying it is a great effort in helping the Council to spread awareness about the need for an inclusive society. Gilkes agreed that it is fitting that the books target children because they are the future.

“We have to speak to the kids first because they are the future. Once we give the kids these books, I know that they will see that everyone is loved the same way.

“This is nice. Look at the love here in one grouping. The books will be distributed to some special needs schools and board members as well. We want to bring awareness among everyone, not only the disabled community but also the able bodied community as well,” Gilkes said.

The illustrations in the book were drawn by Akili Designs.