The Grenada School for Special Education is facing the challenge of limited access to functional computers, as the institution prioritises preparing students for next year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) examination. Special Education is one of the most underfunded areas in education; additionally, parents often cannot afford laptops and tablets for their children with disabilities.
Principal Patricia Williams-Prince stated that while students have the option of receiving a government-issued tablet, “Not all students have government-issued devices. Even though the government provided them, our parents are concerned. They don’t want the responsibility of replacing the device if our children are not as careful as they should be. Many parents did not sign up for the government-issued devices because of this concern.”
This highlights the growing importance of online learning support for children and adolescents with learning disabilities, who often require specialised assistance and extra support.
In 2023, the school helped one of its students successfully pass the CPEA Examination. Following discussions between Williams-Prince and Victoria Slinger, Managing Director of Insurance Consultants of Grenada Limited (ICL), it was noted that the school lacked resources to prepare students for CPEA. In response, ICL management and staff generously donated a state-of-the-art computer to the school, handed over by Administrative Supervisor Danielle Taylor and Brand Ambassador Desta John on 3 June 2024.
“Insurance Consultants of Grenada Limited believes that every student deserves opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and abilities that will contribute to their future success and well-being. It is hoped that this technology will help additional students access the instructional support needed to prepare for higher education,” Slinger said.
Williams-Prince was elated to receive the donation and promised that the computer would be put to good use. “Most of the computers we have are not working; they’re not functioning. We have at least 2 functional computers at the time. So, that in itself is a great plus. More children could come in, and more children can have access to using the computers.”
ICL recognises the Grenada School for Special Education, which has been in existence since 1976. The school supports over 77 students with different learning requirements.
ICL
Two working computers. well well!