BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, Friday 24th April, 2015 --- On Tuesday 21st April, 2015, during a brief, yet significant ceremony at the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School, an enhanced classroom for the students of the Early Stimulation class was handed over by a group of service-oriented youth from the West Basseterre area.
The group, led by dynamic, youth activist Samal Duggins, made a commitment last year to upgrade the classroom space by outfitting the floor with tiles. Over the past weekend the group coordinated the project and completed it in time for the start of the new school term. The 13 students who are enrolled in the Early Stimulation class were elated to see their new classroom.
Principal of the school, Charmaine Blanchette, in expressing her thanks said, “We are very grateful for the continued partnership with this group. Samal has been visiting us over the past year and continues to listen to us and our needs. The new floor that has been provided is now much safer for the children of the Early Stimulation class.”
Samal Duggins, who has been actively involved in community projects in the Village area says that, “our group is committed to the empowerment of our next generation. We have taken the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School under our wing and will continue to assist in upgrading the school as much as we can. This was a promise made over the past year and we have delivered on our promise to the teachers and students. As youth ourselves, we know the importance of empowering young people to realize their full potential.”
The Early Stimulation class of the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School currently has an enrollment of thirteen (13) students ranging from ages 5-13 years. Though they have multiple learning disabilities and disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Autism and Down Syndrome, the students are determined to learn and grow. With the help of their dedicated teachers, Sandra McKoy, Diana Hunkins, Sirena Flanders, Celeste Charles and Erica Wharton, the students are taught self-help and functional skills, as well as an early education curriculum.
In speaking with teacher, Sandra McKoy, she mentioned that the Early Stimulation class is still in need of educational supplies for the children, such as floor puzzle mats that will introduce them to fun ways of learning.
The first donation made by the group was back in October 2014 of four standing fans. The donation was well-received by the school, especially Principal Blanchette, who is always concerned about the health of the students. Mrs. Blanchette mentioned that students who suffer from epilepsy and asthma would suffer greatly because of the heat. The new addition of tiles to the classroom will also assist greatly in keeping the area much cleaner.
Principal Blanchette also made an appeal to the new administration in government to address the many concerns at the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School, and encouraged the private sector to also lend their support. The toilet facilities at the compound are in need of repair, as well as the windows that have become a safety concern to the teachers and students.
Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris commended the group for it’s initiative and assured his new Team UNITY Government’s commitment to the development of youth and education.
“I applaud the efforts of Samal Duggins and the youths of West Basseterre for this welcomed initiative. It is an initiative that other youth groups should seek to pursue in an effort to significantly enhanced the development of our youth and by extension our country. The Team UNITY government has been mandated to significantly improve and or enhance the development of our youth and I want to once again pledge my government’s commitment to the development of education and youth in our federation,” said Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris.
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