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Guyana cements bridge of cooperation with UAE as 49th special school launched
(Kaieteur News) – Guyana has established a bridge of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the 49th Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facility at Crane, West Coast Demerara.
The world class facility, launched on Thursday evening, according to President Irfaan Ali will help children with special needs realise their full potential.
The ‘Yas School of Inspiration’, priced at US$100 million and financed by the UAE will benefit some 50 children, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said. Three buses will be attached to transport children enrolled.
The enrollment process has commenced although the facility will not be operation until another few weeks.
The ‘Yas School of Inspiration’ located at Crane, WCD (Photo credit: DPI)
During the launching ceremony, the president said, “It is important that we understand today is a celebration of friendship. Today is a celebration of cooperation. Today is also the celebration of diplomacy at work. It is a celebration of two states coming together with a common understanding as to what value system we measure development by.”
To this end, he noted that the presence of the UAE Minister State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy was testatment to the bridge of cooperation being built with the state.
The president pointed out that bilateral cooperation between the countries has evolved over the past five years into a dynamic and strategic partnership, anchored in shared economic ambition, mutual respect and a forward vision. Further, he described the UAE as a “pivotal ally” in Guyana’s transformative development agenda.
“Our relationship was cemented by consistent high-level engagements, along with meetings at international forums. The Guyana/UAE relationship is a model of south-south cooperation between a rising global economic force and an emerging hemispheric leader,” the leader pointed out.
Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud boasted that government “without doubt…continues to place the lives, the hopes, the dreams, the aspirations of persons living with disabilities on the front burner. Today is another testament of that.”
She was keen to note that the facility will not only be a modern in infrastructure but will feature tailored programmes to meet the needs of every child, especially those with autism, a special condition that affects the way some persons communicate and behave. The minister added that the facility will be of benefit to children who are non-verbal, tackling physical challenges for children through education and awareness.
Meanwhile, in a direct message to the teachers of the facility, she urged, “You are the soul of this building. Treat every child with compassion, give every child the best education that you possibly can.”
Over the past five years Guyana has significantly increased the number of SEND facilities across the country, as alluded to by Minister if Education, Sonia Parag. In 2020, 13 such facilities were operational across the country, with 48 now established, accommodating approximately 1300 learners.
“That represents an increase of 35 SEND spaces in less than five years, including during the COVID 19 period. Behind those figures are real classrooms, trained educators and families who now have places where their children can learn,” Parag stated.
The YAS school of Inspiration is Guyana’s 49th SEND facility.
In brief comments, the UAE minister said, “We too must be determined to make sure that we leave no stone unturned in ensuring their lives are honoured that they are able to be active, productive members of society and above all that they do so with strength and dignity, supported and supplied by the larger community.”
She said her leader believes in an integrated holistic community as his late father always believed that education is the promise of all.
“I have no doubt, standing here with you today proudly that your community is one that sees, feels and loves each and every member. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this,” she stated.
Also attending the commissioning ceremony were First Lady, Arya Ali, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, among other officials.
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