WHITEMAN... the immediate need is for a facility that caters to a variety of special needs

Montego Bay, ST JAMES - A $64-million school for children with special needs is to be constructed on the grounds of the Sam Sharpe Teachers College at Granville in St James.

Information Minister Senator Burchell Whiteman made the announcement at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Monday. He indicated then that the allocation for the project represented the remainder of funds approved by Cabinet for the construction of schools in St Catherine and Kingston under the 1999/2001 Schools Project.

The need for a special education institution at the western end of the island, Whiteman said, has long been a major concern of educators and parents alike. "Efforts have been made by non-governmental organisations to alleviate the situation by offering programmes for the students," he said, adding that there were only two facilities, including the School of Hope, that currently served students with special needs. "The immediate need is for a facility that caters to a variety of special needs with programmes for early childhood to the secondary vocational level student."

The new multi-million dollar facility is expected to accommodate 130 students with special needs, providing early stimulation for those with moderate to severe disabilities. In addition, it is to offer core subjects at the primary and secondary levels, as well as to provide counselling in personal and daily living skills.

The building will house 12 classrooms and specialist areas, for home economics/home management, woodwork, metalwork, craft, information technology in addition to music/sensory development.

The estimated recurrent cost of operating the school is $17.55 million.

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