SEN Officers urged to become innovative in an environment of uncertainty

At the Special Education Needs (SEN) Third Annual Conference held recently at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), the SEN Officers were encouraged to become innovative during this uncertain time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The National SEN Officer, Mrs. Savvie Hopkinson-Hamilton, told the Officers that the theme for the Conference “Becoming Innovative in an Environment of Uncertainty” was the appropriate theme. She said it is a demonstration of the ability to adapt and embrace change as a way of progressing.

“In fact, the entire Ministry is set upon finding ways of maintaining and eventually accelerating the development of students through departure from old forms and pedagogy to boldly embracing those principles and practices that yield expected results for urgent national needs,” Mrs. Hopkinson-Hamilton added.

She said that the evolution of the Education system is plainly visible in the changed perception of the delivery of instruction for students who learn differently; those that face formidable cognitive challenges; those who were formerly abandoned or left behind; students who stood on the periphery; and notably the blind, the hearing impaired and those with other disabilities. She said that the Government of Guyana through policies, resources and strategies displays its vision of education for all.

According to the National SEN Officer, the establishment of the Special Education Needs Unit itself and the embrace of a new paradigm in respect to Curriculum and teaching methodologies, with all their ramifications, is testimony to an inclusive and accessible approach to education.

The SEN Officers were told that the forum was an opportunity to review and reflect upon their work over the past year which was conducted in the most challenging and simultaneously rapidly innovating environment, Mrs. Hopkinson-Hamilton posited.

She said, “As a Unit, we must constantly assess our contribution to the overall national Education goal through the value we bring to the task of the Ministry of Education.”

The Director of the NCERD, Mrs. Quenita Walrond-Lewis while delivering remarks expressed that in her heart and core as an educator, she believes that all children deserve an opportunity to flourish irrespective of the circumstances and situations that life has bestowed upon them.

Director posited that even in tragedy there is always an opportunity for triumph and opportunity for growth and development and this was evident in the officers’ ability to tap into old and new networks to provide the learners with basic needs. She was encouraged by the strategies employed in working with SEN learners via various platforms.

The Director noted that the goal is that all of our children become citizens who are vibrant, productive and have a purpose within the wider social context. She said that inclusivity in all regards is critical to the work that they do. “In the season of Corona children who are most vulnerable experience the disparities in multiplicative ways thus we must be innovative in trying to reach and bridge that divide where access is concerned,” Mrs. Walrond-lewis noted.

She commended the Officers on the work done for quality services by making sure that clear messaging, contact and partnerships are established with families, teachers and staff. Officers were encouraged not to forgo their connections within the community of practice.