STUDENTS from the Edgehill School of Special Education in St Mary and St Ann were given a special treat by the Sandals Foundation to enhance teaching and learning as the philanthropic arm of the tourism giant presented two sets of playground equipment to the institutions recently.

The equipment, the third set to be installed by Sandals Foundation in the parishes, were made possible through the company’s recent Team Member Support Project which invites suggestions for outreach initiatives that support areas of need within team members’ communities.

Kelly-Ann Styles, sales manager at Sandals Royal Plantation, was elated to have her project selected for execution, noting that the supplies will “help in the physical and mental development for the students”.

Each location had installed a double swing set, see-saw, slide, and a jungle gym that will help to improve the kinesthetic abilities of students.

These pieces of equipment will allow children to gain or improve gross motor skills and also work on their hand-eye coordination as children explore the play area. Other than developing core strength, jungle gym bars also increase children’s self-confidence level as they feel accomplished when they are able to complete a section or course of the jungle gym.

Classroom teacher Yudisha Bennett-Notice said: “These new playground equipment will help in empowering our students with the requisite skills that they need. They will be able to build their physical and mental faculties as well as their reasoning ability. These students will be able to enjoy the outdoors — especially with the country just having an ease from the pandemic — and the opportunity for them to enjoy the outdoors is a welcome break.”

In developing fine motor skills, the see-saw enhances children’s abilities through its grasping handles as well as aids in the balance and coordination involved with operating these apparatuses. The rocking motion is important to help stimulate a child’s sense of balance. The swing for the children will develop grip strength as well as hand, arm and finger coordination. Swinging develops a child’s core muscles and helps with the development of balance.

One of the parents who was present at the handover, Sasha Facey, said, “To be able to see my daughter on the swing and the joy that was coming from her was refreshing. This will go a far way in helping these students improve their social and kinesthetic skills. This gift will serve all age group of students here as the experience will be beneficial to them and the school.”

Tabitha Chambers, regional director of the Edgehill Schools, in commending the Sandals Foundation for the contribution, highlighted the impact that the swings will have on the children.

“As an institution, we have had great collaborations and received immeasurable support from the Sandals Foundation, whose team is part of the school’s community. This contribution will help in the physical and mental development of our students. Being able to have our institutions equipped to empower our children to improve on their varying skill sets makes it more rewarding for us.”

And Sandals Foundation Executive Director Heidi Clarke said, “We believe in the power and play to enhance learning, physical health and enhance socialisation. These skills are needed now more than ever as schools reopen their doors following the past two years. As a foundation we continue to do what we can to meet the needs within communities and, with the help of our donors, serve our families and enhance education.”