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http://www.antiguasun.com/paper/?as=view&sun=281935077507132005&an=384505088210312005&ac=Local
The School for the Deaf hopes to expand the opportunities available to its students.
Currently the school has a student population of 14 and is seeking to expand its computer facilities in order to utilise technology-based educational techniques and to offer its hearing impaired students computer training.
The organisation is also exploring skills-based training options for its graduates, as it seeks to promote productivity as they go out into the wider society.
There are only two functioning computers and principal Gloriagene Edwards said with four more, the school would be able to set up an effective programme for its students.
“We really want to see them supporting themselves so that later on they don’t end up depending on other people,” Edwards explained.
The School for the Deaf tutors children from ages two to 18 who are severely hearing impaired. Students at the institution are taught the standard range of subjects found in a typical primary school, but because of the lack of resources, including teachers, the school is precluded from offering a full secondary programme.
Edwards said the graduates from the programme have done well and most them are employed, many in trades like carpentry. She proudly keeps on her desk the photo of one former student who is now at college in the United States.
She said the staff at the school does its best to support the ambitions of students including seeking out funding for promising students to be trained in their chosen trades.
“For example, one of the school’s senior students wants to begin training as a beautician in January, but in addition to the challenge of functioning effectively in the hearing world, she faces a huge financial obstacle as well,” Edwards said.
The course is more expensive than the student or her family can afford and Edwards, who has been a tireless advocate for her students, is eager to help her source the necessary funding.
One member of the community who has already expressed an interest in helping is former West Indies cricket great, Sir Vivian Richards, who recently visited the school. “These are the stories which grab my imagination and which touch my heart,” he said. Richards has promised to put the matter before the Sir Viv Richards Foundation when the board next meets.
“This is the sort of thing that gets the adrenalin pumping and gets me moving. I know the committee and knowing who they are and what we represent, this will be a wonderful opportunity for us to help,” Richards said.
The School for the Deaf hopes to expand the opportunities available to its students.
Currently the school has a student population of 14 and is seeking to expand its computer facilities in order to utilise technology-based educational techniques and to offer its hearing impaired students computer training.
The organisation is also exploring skills-based training options for its graduates, as it seeks to promote productivity as they go out into the wider society.
There are only two functioning computers and principal Gloriagene Edwards said with four more, the school would be able to set up an effective programme for its students.
“We really want to see them supporting themselves so that later on they don’t end up depending on other people,” Edwards explained.
The School for the Deaf tutors children from ages two to 18 who are severely hearing impaired. Students at the institution are taught the standard range of subjects found in a typical primary school, but because of the lack of resources, including teachers, the school is precluded from offering a full secondary programme.
Edwards said the graduates from the programme have done well and most them are employed, many in trades like carpentry. She proudly keeps on her desk the photo of one former student who is now at college in the United States.
She said the staff at the school does its best to support the ambitions of students including seeking out funding for promising students to be trained in their chosen trades.
“For example, one of the school’s senior students wants to begin training as a beautician in January, but in addition to the challenge of functioning effectively in the hearing world, she faces a huge financial obstacle as well,” Edwards said.
The course is more expensive than the student or her family can afford and Edwards, who has been a tireless advocate for her students, is eager to help her source the necessary funding.
One member of the community who has already expressed an interest in helping is former West Indies cricket great, Sir Vivian Richards, who recently visited the school. “These are the stories which grab my imagination and which touch my heart,” he said. Richards has promised to put the matter before the Sir Viv Richards Foundation when the board next meets.
“This is the sort of thing that gets the adrenalin pumping and gets me moving. I know the committee and knowing who they are and what we represent, this will be a wonderful opportunity for us to help,” Richards said.