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'Much to be done' for promotion of more inclusive learning in VI – Hon de Castro

-as VI marks Special Education Week to promote accessibility & equity in learning
With 2023 Special Education week ongoing in the Virgin Islands (VI) under the theme, 'Accessibility and Equity: A spectrum of possibilities,' Subject Minister Sharie B. deCastro said more has to be done to bring the local education system to one that is more inclusive. Photo: VINO/File
The 2023 Special Education Week being observed in the Virgin Islands (VI) from November 23, 2023, will be held under the theme, 'Accessibility and Equity: A spectrum of possibilities,' as part of a focus to bring access to education to all. Photo: GIS/File
The 2023 Special Education Week being observed in the Virgin Islands (VI) from November 23, 2023, will be held under the theme, 'Accessibility and Equity: A spectrum of possibilities,' as part of a focus to bring access to education to all. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – With 2023 Special Education week ongoing in the Virgin Islands (VI) under the theme, 'Accessibility and Equity: A spectrum of possibilities,' Subject Minister Sharie B. de Castro (AL) said more has to be done to bring the local education system to one that is more inclusive.

“As Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports I am pleased with the progress that we have made in promoting inclusivity in our education system, but there is still much more to be done,” she said in a. statement released on November 27, 2023.

She said the construction of a new facility dedicated to the students of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre is a clear demonstration of our government's unwavering commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive educational environment for every child, regardless of their unique abilities.”

“As a Ministry, we firmly believe that education should not be a one-size-fits-all concept, and every student deserves an environment that caters to their individual strengths, supports their challenges, and empowers them to reach their full potential,” Hon de Castro added.

She expressed appreciation to the teachers and support staff who dedicate themselves to the education of children with special needs and acknowledged their commitment to inclusivity and ability to see beyond the challenges to the immense possibilities within each student. 

Bring more equal access to education - Hon de Castro 

“Your work is an example of the transformative power of education, and your dedication serves as an inspiration to us all,” Hon de Castro added while also thanking parents.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that the strive continues for educational excellence, it is important to understand that a society's progress is measured by its ability to provide equal access to education for all individuals.

“Special education goes beyond catering to the needs of a specific group; it aims to create an environment where every student, regardless of their unique abilities, is equipped with the necessary tools to reach their full potential.

She said equity in education requires a commitment to fairness and means acknowledging and addressing the diverse needs of students where some may require additional support to overcome obstacles.

“Equity is not about providing the same resources to everyone; it is about meeting individuals where they are and providing them with the necessary tools for success. By prioritizing equity in education, we lay the foundation for a just society,” she added.

The schedule for the rest of Special Education Week activities can be found here.  

24 Responses to “'Much to be done' for promotion of more inclusive learning in VI – Hon de Castro ”

  • DearFather (28/11/2023, 20:07) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    please shorten the short time through which improvement comes for I ask this with thanksgiving in the name of Jesus.

    lthese catchy speeches are pure empty bs...youll not serious so you all will not be allowed to continue to play with the children's education and the territory's future .
  • ed (28/11/2023, 21:19) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    What she has done or even doing for education? Look at the state of our schools, MOLD IS VERY MUCH THERE yet i aint hearing her having professionals addressing the issues. Take a walk in these schools and see the condition . She is not ready and needs to get out
  • WE KNOW THAT (28/11/2023, 22:32) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    The Question is , putting a child to do
    an adult's work is going around in circles / walwyn was crucified when he tried to do what was necessary for the youths to be on top of their game by getting educated properly , which would of been for the benifit of the youths and would enable them to compete with anyone anywhere , but IGNORANCE DOMINATED THEIR PARENTS MINDS by listening to people who didn' t care about the best interest of the FUTURE GENERATION , who should of been getting prepared to take the country to a higher level when their time comes to run their country with ( REAL KNOWLEDGE AND INTEGRITY / and as STOUTT SAID without VISION the people will PERISH , and as WE CAN SEE from these set of WANNABES , WE are getting some good examples from them on what happens when there is NO VISION or lack thereof
  • Anonymous (28/11/2023, 23:13) Like (2) Dislike (22) Reply
    Hon decastro is one of the best education ministers ever. Her remarks showed extraordinary imagination and, as in previous years, her commitment and talent are always on display as her remarks are very impressive indeed.
    • @Anonymous (29/11/2023, 09:34) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
      I don't know if to laugh or cry at your remarks. If you are being sarcastic then LMAO!!! If you are being serious then i am crying myself to sleep....
  • Pink Panther (28/11/2023, 23:54) Like (1) Dislike (11) Reply
    Just get some white folks to complain and see what happens
  • teacher john (29/11/2023, 02:32) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    We thank the great God of the universe that with sherry our education system has not rolled downhill faster than a train with no brakes
    • @Teacher John (29/11/2023, 09:36) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      The saddest part is, although the train has breaks, it is still rolling down the hill as if it has none. Isn't that something.
  • Tower of Pisa (29/11/2023, 07:27) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    There’s already too much leaning going on around here! People leaning on trees, walls and cars. You got time to lean you got time to clean! Instead of leaning back in your chair complaining go out and clean up your yard, the street. Leaning is the same as lazy!
  • Facial expression (29/11/2023, 07:46) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is saying )> Where am ????
  • lol (29/11/2023, 08:18) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    There is more than enough leaning on the Treasury by politicians. In all seriousness the Education System is an unqualified mess.
  • bvi (29/11/2023, 08:52) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
    I am sick and tired of negative thinkers blogging $..t all day all night
    • GTFOH (29/11/2023, 09:51) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
      we sick and tired of having to blog negatively
      we sick and tired of all the f@##k shit that going on
      we sick and tired of being ridden like Jac$$$
      we sick and tired of the lies
      we sick and tired of the lack of concern
      we sick and tired of the fact they only on planes globe trotting
      we sick and tired that they not doing the work they signed up for
      well we sick and tired of this mess and somebody has to go clean it up
      we sick and tired of being sick and tired

      GTFOH
  • TALK TALK TALK (29/11/2023, 09:27) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    pure talk that will continue for decades
  • Common Sense (29/11/2023, 09:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sadly every time I hear the words equity, inclusiveness etc, it ultimately ends up the same, bring everyone down to the lowest common denominator. Bring in the best qualified teachers and raise the level of education in this territory instead of woke commentary that the world is now sick of. Most countries are waking up to the problem having seen what’s happened in New Zealand and Canada.
  • Cabinet Reshuffle (29/11/2023, 10:51) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Give the Education portfolio to Dr. Karl Dawson.
    • NB (29/11/2023, 12:03) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is not such a bad idea. It's worth a shot! He can definitely make some changes for the better.
  • The watchdog (29/11/2023, 12:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We all hope there will be a shovel in the ground next year with respect to the mighty mighty Scaliffe so until then I drinking my bush tea
  • jack (29/11/2023, 12:44) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    If you’re looking for change, then you’re simply in the wrong location as despite all the negativity from a small group we moving in the right direction VIP AGAIN
  • FACIAL EXPRESSION (29/11/2023, 12:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is saying )> WHERE AM I ?
  • ................................. (29/11/2023, 13:33) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    That's what loosers do, there is always a segment of society unleashing brutality and evil on other segments or individuals within society who are making significant contributions like this minister is doing. It's been going on for millenia.
    • @ --------------- (30/11/2023, 02:31) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      If I can press "like" a million times I would have, they all know minister Decastro is doing a extraordinary job and will be rated as one of the best education Ministers ever!!!! she is sure much better than the mess funny man left and the corruption over the wall and other things.
  • John (30/11/2023, 10:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hon decastro you need help with your mistry you take e look at for face you went in there young when you started every one
    looking to you now for everything darson
  • John (30/11/2023, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    And you go in darson place he have more experience


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