President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, has visited two facilities providing services for children with special needs, as the government moves to strengthen support in the sector.
On Friday, the President toured the School for Exceptional Children in Roche Caiman and the Autism Centre at North East Point. The visits were aimed at giving him a clearer understanding of the work being carried out and the challenges faced by staff in delivering specialised education and care.
He was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Pierre Laporte, the Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, David Pierre, and senior officials from the Ministry of Education. During the visits, the President met staff and children and observed the services offered at both institutions.
Following the tours, Dr Herminie said the government would begin construction of a purpose-built and accessible centre to bring together specialised services and professionals under one roof. He said the facility would support teaching, therapy and care in a more suitable environment.
“This centre will allow us to provide services in a setting that better meets the needs of children with special needs and those who work with them,” the President said.
He added that, while plans for the new facility move forward, teachers and support staff at the existing centres would receive specialised training through partnerships with international organisations. The training, he said, forms part of a wider effort to strengthen professional skills and improve support for children.
The President also thanked managers and educators for their work, stressing the need for continuous professional development and improved access to multidisciplinary therapy services.
In a meeting with management, officials outlined several ongoing challenges, including overcrowded buildings, limited space for specialised teaching and therapy, gaps in access to multidisciplinary services, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified staff.
The government said it remains committed to addressing these issues to ensure children with special needs receive appropriate care and education.