Special needs students to get new home as Eslyn Henley opens
The BVI will officially open the newly rebuilt Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre today, marking a major step in advancing inclusive education for students with special needs.
The government, through the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, will host an official ceremony to commemorate what officials describe as the fulfilment of a long-awaited vision for the territory’s only dedicated special education institution.
Founded in 1972 as the Fort Charlotte Children’s Centre, the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre has served as a vital part of the territory’s education system for more than 50 years. The new facility will now provide a permanent home for students with diverse learning needs, following years of relocation due to the 2017 hurricanes.
The rebuilt centre features four classrooms, two exterior learning spaces, a sensory room, a therapy room, a media room, a multipurpose hall, a hygiene room, a nurse’s station, and quiet areas for reflection in the rain and sensory garden. These facilities are designed to support a wide range of learning styles and create a safe, accessible environment that promotes inclusion.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, Education Minister Sharie deCastro, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer, and representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank, Recovery and Development Agency, and Autland Heavy Equipment are expected to deliver remarks at the event.
Education Minister Sharie deCastro has said the project represents the government’s commitment to ensuring that all children have access to modern and inclusive learning environments.
“The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre reflects our commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality education in a space designed for their needs. More than just a building, it affirms our dedication to supporting and including our exceptional students,” she stated.
The project was implemented by the Recovery and Development Agency, with design by TigerQi Architecture and construction by Autland Heavy Equipment.
The new centre will accommodate about thirty students and is funded through the Caribbean Development Bank’s rehabilitation and reconstruction loan programme.
Today’s ceremony will mark the completion of a key education milestone for the Virgin Islands as the government continues efforts to modernise and expand learning spaces for all students.
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The newly rebuilt Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre is a commendable step forward. However, there remains the different learning needs of children gifted with dyslexia.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 children are dyslexic. In the BVI that accounts for around 600 students. By short changing their educational we are neglecting our most valuable asset.
Those of us who are gifted with dyslexia make an estimated 4.5 trillion-dollar creative contribution to the global economy.
Why are you saying gifted with Dyslexia like it’s some sort of great ability? It’s a disablity. A lot of people have it and function just fine still and others have a hard time but it’s still a disability. Hopefully,one day in the future it will be treated and eliminated. I think I may be dyslexic,never been tested but seen the symptoms of it in me. I’m I gifted now… Geezzzz
Very good point.
Now BVI can accommodate the students, but teachers are not qualified enough for them.
can some adults go there? cause tola got alot of ed adults in the work world
QUESTION)WHY DID YOU REMOVED YOUR MOTHER FROM THE PROGRAM FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
this is a giant step, indeed. unlike where they were camped at seacow’s bay in-between the sea and a major road. BUT school without the enabling resources is empty boarding house or daycare center. This building, need specialists; speech therapists, behavioral therapists, mental health counselors, on call psychologist, special needs development teachers etc. Please government pay attention to this school, these children have rights and privileges too.