Students of the Irving Wilson School ended 2024 on a high note as some of the newest recipients of the Bronze Standard of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. This groundbreaking achievement came after months of dedication to voluntary service, physical recreation, skill development and a transformative 2-day overnight journey. The Award Ceremony, which was held on December 13, 2024 at Harrison College, featured a celebration of Silver and Bronze Awardees across various secondary schools in Barbados.
This year signified a momentous occasion for the Award in its over 60-year operation with the first ever cohort of persons with disabilities being recognised for completion of the milestone, hailing from the Irving Wilson School. This collaborative initiative between The Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DEIA) Barbados and The Deaf Heart Project (DHP), called the Inclusion Program, was funded by The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ program, and further supported by Massy Stores (Barbados) Limited and Regus Barbados. Seven students gained the training skills in swimming, gardening and farming techniques, elderly care and assistance, and essential life skills while pushing themselves to their physical limits. These participants represented persons with autism, low vision and deafness.
Stephen Smith, Chairman of the Award Barbados, and Ché Greenidge, Founder and Chairperson of The Deaf Heart Project, both expressed their delight in the students’ achievements.
“Today, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments and achievements of this extraordinary group of young people, and the promise that it has for them going forward... The Award is not easy, and may include several hardships, but in the end, you learn to adapt and overcome. This equips young people to go out into the world and accomplish more, with a greater sense of self-confidence and surefootedness.” Smith stated during the ceremony.
According to Greenidge, the program has set a new standard for inclusivity, empowerment, and achievement.
"What began as a program for deaf students grew to include participants who are autistic and those with low vision. This was not a simple expansion—it was a transformation, reflecting what true inclusion looks like: understanding each student’s needs and customizing the program every step of the way.
The journey was not easy. It challenged all of us to dig deeper—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Together, we taught each other the essence of inclusion—how to meet challenges not with resistance but with creativity and compassion.” Greenidge said.
Greenidge shared with the students,
“You taught us that inclusion is not a destination but a continuous act of courage, care, and collaboration. This Program was focused on making you not just ready for the world—but ready to shape it. You’ve shown that dreams are not bound by limitations, and that capacity grows when given the right tools and opportunities. I could not be more proud of each of you.”
The international award signifies the culmination of a year-long journey of transformation, marking the first time that such recognition has been bestowed upon a cohort of persons with disabilities in the Caribbean. This milestone underscores the importance of designing initiatives that provide equitable opportunities for all, paving the way for future programs.
As the graduates look ahead, DHP reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting the participants’ growth through ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and advanced skill-building initiatives. Following the passing of the legislation of the rights of persons with disabilities, The Deaf Heart Project calls upon more organizations and the private sector to join in championing the rights, inclusion, and success of persons with disabilities, equipping this community to lead, to learn and to thrive.
(PR)
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