Corporate Barbados was hailed for stepping up its backing for the Barbados Down Syndrome Association at an inclusion initiative to mark World Down Syndrome Day.
Head of the association, Asha Alleyne-Renwick, highlighted the increasing involvement of the private sector at an event at St Matthew’s Primary School.
“We are rocking our socks in support of World Down Syndrome Day under the theme Together Against Loneliness,” she said.
The event brought together students and staff in an inclusive setting, with activities designed to encourage interaction and understanding.
Alleyne-Renwick added: “The learning support division here [is] having a fun, inclusive day where we have 12-year-old Michael Birch here with Down syndrome. The students of the school are supporting him in activities where they’re riding bicycles, [and] we’re having bean bag games… in a truly wonderful, inclusive atmosphere.”
12-year-old Michael Birch (centre) enjoying his day riding bicycles with his schoolmates. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
She noted that initiatives like these are made possible in part by the continued backing of corporate Barbados, which has been instrumental in fundraising and awareness efforts.
“Each year we get growing support from corporate Barbados and from the community as a whole in terms of purchasing socks… which helps us, of course, to raise funds for our various initiatives that run year-round,” she explained.
Among those initiatives is a Saturday programme hosted at the Erdiston Special School, aimed at addressing developmental gaps and equipping individuals with Down syndrome with essential life skills.
“We run a lead programme… where we teach and try to fill the gaps that are present within the education system as well as just life in general for children and adults with Down syndrome,” she said.
Alleyne-Renwick added that support tends to peak around this time of year, with companies taking extra steps to get involved.
“We do see corporate Barbados reaching out, trying to get involved… a lot of companies reach out directly to us, and we want to say a thank you for really taking the day a step further… inviting in the association to maybe sell socks at their location or going the extra mile to do an initiative within their organisation that helps to raise awareness.”
Teacher Michelle Strickland of the St Matthew’s Primary special unit underscored the importance of inclusive education in fostering development among students with Down syndrome.
Teacher Michelle Strickland. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
“We have an inclusion-type programme where our students of the special unit are also instructed by teachers of the mainstream,” she said, noting that the school currently supports 18 students within the unit.
Strickland pointed to the progress of one student, Michael Birch, who has been part of the programme for several years.
12-year-old Michael Birch posing with his mother Katherene Corbin-Birch. (Photo Credit: Shamar Blunt)
“Michael has grown significantly since he’s been here… while students with Down syndrome have issues with their cognitive [and] physical development, with our type of programme here, we have been able to help Michael develop at his pace.”
She added that the programme has supported his social, physical and academic growth.
“We have been able to help Michael develop his social skills in particular, his spine and gross motor skills, and likewise some of his academic skills. He does know his numbers, he’s able to express himself… he is pretty much a full student within our curriculum.”
Describing him as “very cheeky by nature” but “a very resilient child”, Strickland said he continues to thrive in a supportive school environment where classmates are eager to assist and include him.
(SB)
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