KINGSTON, Jamaica – Students at the Salvation Army School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children are benefiting from improved learning experiences through the donation of braille writing machines to the institution.

The devices, used for writing and reading, were provided under the ‘Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille’ campaign spearheaded by Digicel Foundation and the Open Door Jamaica Foundation led by media personality Dr Terri-Karelle Reid.

Approximately 35 sponsors across the island participated in the campaign to procure the braille machines, including e-Learning Jamaica (e-LJam) Limited, which donated nine.

Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the handover ceremony held on Friday at the Salvation Army school in Kingston, pledged the Government’s support in improving educational outcomes for students at the institution.

“The Salvation Army School for the Blind is undeniably a beacon of hope, providing not just education but also ensuring support to blind and visually impaired students,” the Minister said.

“The Government currently provides almost $40 million to the school but obviously there are needs in addition to [this] and so I commit to working with you. We have a Special Needs Unit at the Ministry and we want to ensure that they are adequately serving the needs here,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels, said the students are the “true stars” in the ‘Follow the Trail, Invest in Braille’ initiative.

“With these braille machines I have no doubt that they will continue to shine bright and achieve greatness,” she said.

Principal of the Salvation Army School for Blind and Visually Impaired, Iyeke Erharuyi, said that with the support, each of the 130 pupils at the institution is now assured of access to a new braille machine, which will enhance the teaching and learning experiences.

The Salvation Army School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children is the only institution of its kind in Jamaica. It serves children four to 21 years old.

-JIS