Children rewarded for their efforts

Esperanza/Mongoose Special Needs School hosted its first ever prize giving last Thursday at New Life Church.

“From now on, we will do everything normal schools do because we are a normal school,” said Jennifer Pillay, the school’s principal.

In a day where parents, pupils and staff beamed with pride, the prize giving was not only about rewarding the children for all their hard work, but to remind parents and attendees why it was important to support special needs children.

The guest speaker, Prem Bhagwandas, circuit manager from the Department of Education, told how Esperanza had progressed from a small school in a garage, to being a haven for children whose needs were different from those in mainstream schools.

“Esperanza means hope, and it has given hope to those who attend the school. These children do not need our sympathy, they only need support, which is what Esperanza is all about,” said Mr Bhagwandas.

While the school gave its pupils the opportunity to improve their sense of self-esteem, it took a special type of parent to raise a child with special needs, said Mr Bhagwandas.

“The parents are just as precious as the children.”

In her speech, Ms Pillay thanked everyone who supported the school. With 23 pupils, four classes, four teachers and three assistants, the school was growing from strength to strength.

Allan and Tillie Kirkland from FedAuto, sponsored the prize giving function. “We feel privileged to be associated the school. We feel it is important to show our support and as a company, we feel it is very important for social involvement,” said Mr Kirkland.