IN celebration of Disability Week later this month (November 27-December 3), the Guyana Council of Organisations for persons with disabilities, yesterday hosted another essay competition aimed at raising awareness. 

In Queen’s College auditorium, Chairman of the Council, Mr. Leon Walcott, told this publication that the best essays are selected, after which the writers are asked to present them orally.
“We call it a disability symposium for school children. This is about the fifth or sixth year that we’re doing it,” he offered, adding, “And we have been fortunate to have the Ministry of Education support us all the time.”
Some 30 schools were invited, but only a handful responded positively, such as Graham’s Primary, Queen’s College and St. Joseph High, along with two special needs centers namely, Open Doors Vocational Center and David Rose Special Needs School.
The essays are based on disability issues. “It’s really about raising awareness and you get fresh ideas on what can be done to make life easier for people with disabilities. Some creative ideas are often put forth,” Mr. Walcott explained. For instance, some persons with disabilities are often bullied, and this is an issue that was brought to light thanks to someone’s essay.
Commenting on one of the benefits of having the essays, Mr. Walcott observed: “While it’s good to have the best academic qualifications as teachers, you must also have people who are caring. So as far as I am concerned, academics should come second and attitude should come first.”
This initiative was brought forward in view of the fact that Disability Week clashes with end of term exams and so forth.