A SECTION of the Wales Primary School has been renovated to accommodate differently-abled students and is expected to open in September, National Special Education Needs (SEN) officer, Savvie Hopkinson said.
“Region Three is taking the lead and setting the pace in Special Needs Education. You have become the third region, after Region Seven and Georgetown to establish a Special Education Needs (SEN) classroom/unit… you are therefore a leader and catalyst,” Hopkinson said.

Though Hopkinson dubbed the move as a little step in the journey towards improving the results of the education system, she, non-the-less posited that it is of major significance.
“When our country accepted the principle of the fundamental right of all students to a suitable education and the persuasion that all children can learn, although differently, it was clear that the SEN population would be given priority so that every child could attain the curriculum goals,” she said.
In this regard, the Education Ministry expects that special accommodations and modifications within the educational framework of student goals will be made and such plans are expected to drive the educational system.

Hopkinson made it clear too that “the Ministry has not placed the responsibility of special education entirely on the shoulders of teachers”.
Aside from the available resources accessible by teachers, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana now graduate teachers who are exposed to special education modules.
“Today we must be convinced that while the task of educating the students with special needs is challenging, it is not insurmountable. The resources and help that schools need reside in the region, as each region will soon have a resident SEN officer as part of the Regional Education Department,” Hopkinson announced.

While addressing the parents, students, teachers and regional officials, Hopkinson did not fail to highlight the work done by teachers around the country to ensure their special needs students get the education they deserve.
“These teachers know that surrendering to the challenges students present is not an option and they believe that blame-casting is not a game they can play. To them education is a co-operative endeavour and success comes through collaborative work,” she stated.
Hopkinson articulated that while these efforts do not always culminate with all students progressing to attain top schools, it always results in the production of rounded and better citizens; equipped to adequately discharge their responsibility to society and lead fulfilling lives.

Regional Education Officer, Penelope McIntosh in her remarks noted that this is a proud moment for the region, as they can now deliver a holistic education in the region.
This sentiment was endorsed by Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikaran, who disclosed that the region will not only have a SEN Unit but a contract will be signed shortly for the construction of a SEN School at Schoonord.
Jaikaran added that there are many teachers in the region who go the extra mile to ensure that children with special needs are catered for in the classroom.
The realisation of the SEN Unit at Wales Primary and the ultimate realisation of the special school will advance the steps taken by teachers, he noted.

While addressing the gathering, the REO commended the parents, headteachers, teachers and students for their outstanding performances at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) which saw Region Three being recognised as the second best performing region.
He added that a number of the students in the top one per cent are also from the region.