Bahamas Special needs students win award
Apr 23, 2013
A group of students from the Bahamas have made history as the first individuals with special needs to receive a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Bahamas.
A group of students from the Bahamas have made history as the first individuals with special needs to receive a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Bahamas.
The students, who took up the award in 2012, rose to the challenge and exceeded expectations. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is known in the Bahamas as the Governor’s General Youth Award (GGYA).
“There are many myths about persons with special needs, but students at the Beacon School are changing misconceptions,” said Beacon teacher and GGYA unit leader, Titi McKenzie-Moss.
As part of their challenge, Floyd Bain, Mercedes Smith, Rycardra Walks, Royal Hamilton, Lathario Greene, Benjamin Clarke, Phillip Major-Jones and Dan Ferguson spent three months participating in community and beach clean-ups.
They visited elderly residents and walked in a youth empowerment march. They also took part in a ‘Special Olympics’ every Saturday morning.
For 16-year-old Rycardra Walks, achieving the Bronze Award was special.
“I was the only girl participating in the Award. First, I was a little concerned since the other girls had dropped out, but I am happy that I made it through,” she says.
“We hope our involvement in this programme will create awareness and sensitisation about the abilities of children with special needs,” said McKenzie-Moss
Forthcoming Expeditions:
The clock is ticking and the countdown running fast towards the Gold, Silver and Bronze Expeditions due Saturday 4 - Tuesday 7, May 2013.
For those in central Uganda, the expeditions will take place in Mukono and Buikwe districts, while for those in mid-west and northern Uganda, action will be in Masindi Municipality.
To register for these expeditions contact;
Email: admin@nileaward.org
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