Rockhouse Foundation President Peter Rose and aspects of the Savanna-la-mar Inclusive Infant Academy |
Journeying through our country last week, one
cannot help but fall in love all over again with our lush green hills and the
kindness that has kept Jamaica going. Come with me to the Savanna-la-mar
Inclusive Infant Academy on Lewis Street, built by the Rockhouse Foundation
with ongoing support from the Foundation and Ministry of Education, Information
and Youth.
The President of the Foundation Peter Rose walked us through the
beautiful, airy spaces where happy children ran to hug us and enthusiastic teachers
and therapists described the close attention paid to their charges.
This mixed ability, full inclusion model
school has a population of 115 children, 30 percent of whom have ‘a diverse set
of special needs.’ The remaining 70 percent of children are selected by what
Peter describes as a ‘straight lottery’, to avoid favoritism in any form. The
Foundation plans to further expand the school, provide a daycare centre and
eventually, primary-level classes.
The high wooden ceilings of the village-like
layout provide natural cooling – construction workers from the community were
engaged for the project and there is creative artwork celebrating their
participation.
The well-equipped therapy room is where
Halleah Addiman brings hope and healing. One child, brought in the arms of her
parents, can now navigate the corridors of the school. Speech Language
therapist Ann-Merita Golding provides services to the school, and described her
work with the children, some of whom have needs beyond just articulation.
We noted the carefully planned meals – for
snack time, the children enjoyed bowls of fresh fruit. The pupils are
provided with nutritious breakfasts, snacks and lunches, thanks to the
involvement of the Rockhouse executive chef.
The Rockhouse Hotel, the
popular boutique hotel and restaurant on Negril’s West End, along with its
ownership team does the heavy lifting for the Foundation, organizing overseas
fundraisers with its legions of fans network of loyal donors. The Foundation
also contracts buses to take the children to and from school. Instead of
purchasing sets of sometimes expensive books, the Foundation underwrites all
photocopying of lessons for the children.
Such a great model - thank you Rockhouse Foundation!
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