Minister Walwyn amongst students and teachers of the EHRLC at the school’s award ceremony held yesterday June 12, 2012. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Students and Teachers singing their school song. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Mr. and Ms. EHRLC for 2012-2013 presented to the attendees of the award ceremony. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Center (EHRLC) yesterday June 12, 2012, Hon. Walwyn said he abides by the vision of his Ministry, which is “for the Children of the Virgin Islands to become productive and contributing members of society.”

He added that all children of the Virgin Islands (VI), no matter their circumstances, are blessed with talents and abilities that the community can benefit from.

Hon. Walwyn stated that his ministry and the government is devoted to continue to be involved with the parents and care givers of children with special needs and will continue to do all he can as Minister of Education to ensure that the support, resources and commitment is there to allow the children of EHRLC to live a full and independent life in the Virgin Islands.

“We continue to work on finding appropriate learning tools, computers, applications and other technology that can assist in their learning process.”

The Education Minister said he will also continue to be an advocate for equitable education for all and he will continue to work to find the support and resource to realise that goal.

“As we work towards developing a culture of excellence in the education system, I know it also involves the policy makers and educated administrators finding the best resources to help students excel and achieve with excellence.”

He said his ministry is continuously working to find qualified and trained individuals that can assist in the learning needs of students with different needs.

Isles, Ms. EHLRC again

Apart of the Awards Ceremony, in preparation of the new school year, it is customary for the school to crown a new Mr. and Ms. EHRLC.

Ms. Isles was chosen to be Ms. EHRLC for the 2011-2012 school year and now for 2012-2013.

Speaking to Principal Mrs. Vansittart Huggins, she said the representatives of the school are chosen from the overall student population.

She said the teachers of the school came together to discuss the students, both male and female, and select that student who made improvements in verbal communication.

Mrs. Vansittart said that Mr. and Ms. EHRLC are the top two students who can represent the school with a smile, pleasant personality and attitude.

“We don’t look at their academics, given that they are children with special needs, we look at their inter-relations skills and how they socialize and communicate with others.”

Along with Ms. Isles, Kadeem Smith is the new Mr. EHRLC. He takes over from student, Mr. Devione Jones.

During the ceremony, each student of the school was awarded for completing special courses, such as; computer skills, reading, numeracy, musical talent, memory skills, physical education, sailability, gardening, cosmetology and first aid skills.

Awards were also given to the teachers, parents and volunteers of the school for their hard work and dedication to the children.

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