MORE than 150 children from nine special needs institutions were last Friday beaming with joy after receiving an early Christmas treat from Digicel Foundation and its partners.

Held at Funland Jamaica in Hope Gardens, St Andrew, the treat saw the children being provided with food, gifts, and loads of fun.

Jamilia Crooks-Brown, portfolio manager for education and special needs at Digicel Foundation, told the
Jamaica Observer that this was the foundation’s second treat for special needs children.

“The first year we did it off shared compassion and wanting to see how they would receive it, and we got overwhelming response, so we had to do it again this year, especially in light of post-hurricane jitters and all that came with that. We wanted to ensure that they had a good Christmas,” said Crooks-Brown.

She said the treat was designed to ensure that the special needs children feel included and to give them the opportunity to have a great experience as they grow within their communities.

The invited institutions were Genesis Academy, Jamaica Down Syndrome Foundation, Danny Williams School for the Deaf, The Salvation Army School for the Blind, Vision Academy, Best Care Special Education School, Lister Mair Gilby High School for the Deaf, Promise Learning Centre, and the Early Stimulation Plus Programme at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

“This means a lot to them, because some of them pulling up in the bus, coming off and seeing the colours and all the rides on the inside were very excited. I remember one student said to me, ‘Miss, I didn’t sleep last night because I really wanted to come here today.’ So you can just imagine the level of excitement,” added Crooks-Brown as she pointed to the foundation’s tag line: Helping to create a world where nobody gets left behind.

Crooks-Brown told the Observer that while the foundation did not receive the support of some planned sponsors who are dealing with the fallout from Hurricane Melissa and had to pivot their focus this Christmas, the ones who came on board helped to make the event a success.

“We are delighted to get on board for the second time, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation, Prestige Donut, Little Caesars Pizza, Scoops Ice Cream, and Funland Jamaica for the venue as well,” she said.

Executive member of JPS Foundation Samora Baine described the partnership as a “no-brainer” as it falls under the foundation’s community empowerment focus.

“Our relationship with Digicel Foundation strengthened in 2024 in the response to Hurricane Beryl, since then it has grown. Last year, we partnered on this event by sending volunteers, but this year we sponsored,” said Blaine.

She said JPS Foundation sponsored 50 gifts for the children and volunteers who ensured everyone was served.

In the meantime, Stacey-Ann Newman, principal of special needs school Genesis Academy, told the
Observer that since the classroom does not always allow for shenanigans, the event served as a nice escape for the children.

“I am happy because I know the kids are happy to be here, they look forward to going outside; we believe in trips at school because I don’t think the classroom is the only classroom, I think this, too, is a classroom, because they get to meet and socialise, and exposure is a part of learning. It allows for the children to come and just have fun, there are no limitations, or restrictions, just a day to have fun,” said Newman.

Parent-Teacher Association president and a teacher’s assistant at The Salvation Army School for the Blind Shanika Edwards also welcomed the fun day for the special needs children.

“The children were very excited to be here. As I got to school early this morning they were at the gate thinking the event was early, so I like this idea for them. So far they are having fun, they are enjoying the different rides and activities that are here, also winning gifts, so I am happy for that,” said Edwards.

Jamilia Crooks-Brown, portfolio manager for education and special needs at Digicel Foundation, speaking with the Jamaica Observer during the foundation’s treat for children with special needs on Friday. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

A volunteer helps two of the children have fun with the train at the Digicel and partners treat for children with special needs last Friday at Funland. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)