Some students of the Irving Wilson School recently received much needed electronic devices to assist with their education in the current online learning environment.
Founder of The Deaf Heart Project (DHP) and reigning Miss World Barbados, Ché Greenidge, coordinated efforts among four other organisations after learning that students, both deaf and with other physical or learning challenges, had missed months of instruction due to the lack of a device.
In addition to DHP’s established partners – the Optimist Club of Bridgetown Central and The Peter and Jan Boos Foundation – Greenidge also had high praise for The Zander Venezia Trust and Island Villas for their swift response in helping to acquire the devices.
After a presentation held at the school, ten children are now in possession of tablets, keyboards, headphones and a laptop.
In attendance were the students and their parents; the principal of the Irving Wilson School, Armed Alleyne; representatives from the organisations which collaboratively facilitated the initiative, including Louis and Lisa Venezia of The Zander Venezia Trust, and Richard Eames of Island Villas Real Estate.
It was through its close relationship with the Irving Wilson school that DHP learned about the students’ needs.
“Although all of the students in need are not deaf, I worked to find a device for everyone on the list because I believe that no child should be left behind,” Greenidge stated.
In response to the support from the other collaborators on the initiative, she added: “It was the fastest I have seen. With their assistance we were able to take care of the students at the Irving Wilson School within a matter of days. This is a true demonstration of the real power of solidarity and togetherness.”
The Venezias expressed their pleasure at being able to help.
“Every child in Barbados deserves an opportunity to receive the best education possible. Zander’s Trust is committed to helping as many children as we can,” they said.
Eames shared similar sentiments, sharing his hope that the children and staff would enjoy and benefit from the technology, and to be a part of more joint charitable projects in the future. Greenidge also noted that despite the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Barbadian businesses, she was moved by the willingness of the two which came on board to offer their assistance.
“I have to show my appreciation to Mr Hashim Delair of Pro Sales Barbados, and Miss Tiffany Lowe and team at Promotech for readily coming to our aid by offering the devices at a fraction of the cost.”
March is the Month of the Disabled, this year under the theme of “Building Back Better for a More Inclusive and Resilient Barbados”. Greenidge commented: “I don’t think many people are sensitised to the difficulty of the additional challenges posed for these students and their parents within this new virtual learning environment, but we hope to continue assisting them in the best way we can.”
She noted that the new devices would Be downloaded with assistive apps and software that would supplement the students’ learning needs.
“As we recognise today as Disability Awareness Day, we highlight the need for increased assistance in ensuring equitable education for children with disabilities,” Greenidge said. (PR)
