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New Facilities for Early Stimulation Programme

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JIS: Students and staff at the Stimulation-Plus Early Childhood Development Centre, located at Ostend Close, in Rockfort, Eastern Kingston, are now benefiting from the $75.79 million expansion of the institution’s facilities.

 

The development centre which was officially opened during a ceremony held on May 18, is comprised of seven classrooms and bathrooms, administrative offices, sick bay, Physiotherapy room, Caretaker cottage and a Specialized Play Area.

 

Currently, the centre accommodates 126 children with disabilities and with this expansion funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the centre will now be able to increase the facilities enrolment by at least 40 percent in numbers and thus cater to more children with disabilities on the waiting list.

 

Speaking at the opening, State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne said the facility is a symbol of the Government’s commitment to children, especially those with development disabilities.

 

“Each of our children deserve access to a learning environment that caters to (their) total development, a learning environment which allows each one to unlock his/her potential,” Mr. Mayne said.

 

He added that the Ministry will continue to support children with special needs at every stage of their educational journey, while at the same time equipping their parents, guardians, and caregivers.

 

“I implore parents to support the Early Stimulation Plus staff, and to reinforce what is done throughout the day, in your respective homes,” the State Minister said.

 

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, and Chief of Operations at the IDB, Adriana La Valley, were among officials who participated in the ceremony.

 

CAPTION: State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Zavia Mayne (right), is assisted by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid (2nd right), in cutting the ribbon to officially open the newest building of the Stimulation Plus Early Childhood Development Centre located at Ostend Close, in Rockfort, Eastern Kingston during a ceremony on May 18. Sharing in the moment from left are: Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Audrey Deer Williams, and Director, Early Stimulation Programme, Antonica Gunter-Gayle. Also pictured are students of the school and other officials.