Burchell Whiteman
SLOW-LEARNING Students in St. James will soon have their own specialised school to meet their needs.
Cabinet on Monday approved a $64 million contract for the construction of a special needs school at Granville in the parish.
The money represents the balance of funds approved for the construction of schools in St. Catherine and Kingston, under the 1999/2001 schools project.
Speaking at Monday's post-Cabinet press briefing, Information Minister, Senator Burchell Whiteman, said 130 students with special learning needs are expected to attend the school to be built on the grounds of Sam Sharpe Teachers' College.
The school will cater to students from the early childhood to the secondary/vocational levels and will provide early stimulation for those with moderate disabilities, and guidance and counselling.
Senator Whiteman said the need for special education facilities in the west has been a major concern for educators and parents for years.
"What we are seeking to prevent is parents having children who have these special needs and really don't know what to do with them or have no where to send them," he said.
He said that the new school premises will have 12 classrooms and specialist areas, covering home economics, wood and metal work, information technology, music and sensory development.
The minister said that about $18 million would be required to operate the school annually.
