By Kristin Josiah
February 12, 2025
President Dr. Irfaan Ali today commissioned the Exceptional Learners’ Centre at Cotton Field, Region Two, a specialized facility designed to cater to children with physical and learning disabilities, including autism and speech impairment.
The centre offers a range of activities aimed at enhancing students’ learning experiences, including art, music, yoga, mathematics, science, social studies, language, reading, and storytelling.
During the commissioning, President Ali reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding special needs education, stating that a special needs learning facility will be established in every region.
To further support students, the President announced that a school bus will be provided by the end of the month to transport learners from their homes to the centre.
The 94.7 million dollar project was funded by the Government of Guyana through the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and executed by Builder’s Engineering & Architectural Consultancy.
The BNTF, a grant-funded programme by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), aims to reduce poverty and increase access to quality education for children with special needs.
CDB President Daniel Best expressed his satisfaction with the project’s completion and its positive impact on learners, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to education.
President Ali also encouraged the CDB to share the school’s model with other Caribbean nations, highlighting its high standards and advanced design that meet and exceed international benchmarks.
The Exceptional Learners’ Centre is expected to significantly improve educational opportunities for children with special needs in Region Two, setting a precedent for similar facilities across the country.