By Denice Ryan | Administrator
Four years ago Ambergris Caye Elementary School embarked on a special journey when we started our Special Needs program. In the small island community of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Belize we started the first dedicated program for children with Special Needs. The biggest hurdle was raising awareness and letting the community know these children had the right to an education. The right to become the best they could be through inclusion in school and in regular classrooms. In the past, very often the Special Needs community had been forgotten, hidden and excluded. Schools would often refuse to admit these children due to lack of understanding and resouces.
Through a concerted effort to raise awareness we have made a huge step forward. Today, more schools are beginning to accomodate children with learning disabilities, while this is only the tip of the iceberg, it is a step in the right direction. Two years ago we started the 5K Run for Awareness, this was a huge success! Having more than 150 runners both years, the community became aware and more programs for children with Special Needs began to spring up. Both summer camps and after school programs were now available in a community where none existed before.
Three years ago, the police department got involved and started to help sponsor the Special Olympics here on the island. Just last week all the children from the Special Needs community were invited to participate in receiving the Special Olympic Torch here on the island. All the children and their parents marched in a parade, again helping to raise awareness in the community.
While there is still a long road ahead of us, we have taken the first steps in the journey. It is becuase of people like yourself who have given to the program we have been able to provide this service and raise awareness. We thank you so much for your support and remind you in this season of giving that without the gifting of sponsorship many of these students would not be able to afford to come to school. We are eternally grateful for your support in making a difference in the lives of these children.
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