Festival Of Fun Marks Progress In Special Needs Education In Saint Lucia

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3. This year, just two days later, the Special Education Unit, in collaboration with the Sacred Sports Foundation (SSF), Tui Care Foundation, and Including US (funded by the European Union) hosted the 2024 Festival of Fun—creating a safe space for special education students to gather, play sports, and enjoy recreational activities This year marked the festival’s official return after a long hiatus. The event is part of ongoing efforts by advocates and Saint Lucia’s Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education to provide children with special needs with equal opportunities. Established in 2000 with just an Education Officer and a Clerk, the Unit has steadily grown in scope and impact. Held at the Beausejour Indoor Facility and the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium, the Festival of Fun brought together students, educators, and advocates.  Suzy Fontaine, Vice President of the Helen’s Association of Persons with Autism and a mother of two—including a daughter with autism—praised the initiative. She told  St. Lucia Times, “This activity, today, is really heart-warming because it gives the children a place where they’re included. They don’t have to feel uncomfortable about the way they are,...