Jones: Project is a blessing

MINISTER OF EDUCATION Ronald Jones has welcomed the construction of the Derrick Smith School and Vocational Centre that will cater to Barbadians with special needs.
Speaking prior to a tour of the Lears, St Michael facility by education officials yesterday, he said: “It has always been the wish of the Government of Barbados to see a facility like this.”
The multimillion-dollar school, which is expected to be completed by September 2015, will prepare children over the age of 11 and adults with the skills to navigate the world of work and life in general.
Jones lauded benefactors Derrick and Gay Smith for investing in the facility.
“We’ve stressed that philanthropy should be a part of our landscape and where is it better expressed than in the education of our people regardless of the challenges which they face,”?the minister said.
“For a long time in our country people with various learning and physical challenges were not able to emerge into the forefront of life in Barbados, but we’ve been seeing that change over time.”  
He said the skills learnt at the centre would help individuals with special needs to “self-actualize and to feel part of humanity”. (NB)