The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is working to build ramps wheelchair at Hopewell High School in Hanover, the lack of which has been blamed for a physically challenged students not being able to attend the institution.
Hopewell High School is a public learning institution located in Hanover, Jamaica. In a written response to an article carried in the Sunday Observer of October 29, official ministry Lisa Rowe, who heads the media liaison unit, said that the Ministry would partner with Member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern Dave Brown and the Digicel Foundation to "Create "the ramps.
The ministry did not say how many ramps would be created.
The Sunday Observer reported that Britannia Stephenson, aged 13, who suffers from encephalopathy, has not been able to start school at Hopewell High, where she was placed based on her results in this year's Grade Six Achievement Test.
Wheelchair-bound Britannia, who has not walked since birth, graduated from the Watford Hill Primary School in Woodlands, Hanover - an institution that is equipped with a ramp wheelchair - in June.
Because of the lack of a ramp at Hopewell High, and the high costs involved in educating her elsewhere, the child has had to remain put at home.
The Education Ministry said it made efforts to accommodate Britannia at Anchovy High School in St James, about 20 minutes away from Hopewell, and was unaware that she had been facing challenges.
"It was stated that a wheelchair-bound student is stated to be out of school since September as the school at which she was placed does not have a wheelchair," the ministry said in her statement.
"The ministry was made aware of the challenges faced by the student and took steps to ensure that a transfer was given to her to attend another school which had the facilities to accommodate her disability," she said.
The ministry has now said that some provisions have been put in place to accommodate Britannia.
"The regional director has made arrangements for an education officer and social worker to contact Britianna's mother Cecelia Hill, to find out the exact issue as it relates to the child being in school.The region will make arrangements to ensure that Britianna is present in school by the latest Monday, November 6, "the ministry said.
"In moving forward, the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information has approved the payment of a shadow for Britannia." The region will ensure that this process is finalized, "the ministry's statement continued.
The Digicel Foundation, in mid-week statement, confirmed that it too would be assisting in the process.
"Digicel Foundation noted with concern the Sunday Observer's report on the absence of a ramp wheelchair at Hopewell High School in Hanover, which prevented young Britannia Stephenson from attending school for the past two months. The foundation has already begun taking steps to provide support for the school and for the student, through its Ramps in Schools program. "With support from Digicel, the foundation will build ramps at Hopewell High to provide access for students with physical challenges.
It has also begun working with stakeholders on new arrangements for Britannia, to ensure she does not miss any more classes.
Member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern, Dave Brown has pledged to provide transportation for the 13-year-old to travel to another high school equipped with a ramp, which has offered her a place.
The Ministry of Education has also arranged for a companion for the young student, to and from school.
"We are delighted that Britannia will be going back to school next Monday," said Digicel Foundation's Chairperson Jean Lowrie-Chin.
"No student who is academically qualified should be denied enrolment or access to education because of his or her physical challenges," added Lowrie-Chin ..
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