Students of Irving Wilson School made history when they became the first cohort of persons with disabilities to be awarded the Bronze standard of the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
They did so after participating in the Inclusion Programme with students of other secondary schools.
The Inclusion Programme is a collaborative project between the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DEIA) Barbados and The Deaf Heart Project (DHP).
In a statement, Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados Council Stephen Smith and Founder and Chairperson of The Deaf Heart Project (DHP) Ché Greenidge expressed their delight in the students’ achievements.
“We celebrate the remarkable accomplishments and achievements of this extraordinary group of young people and the promise that it has for them going forward.
“The award is not easy and may include several hardships, but in the end, you learn to adapt and overcome. This equips young people to go out into the world and accomplish more, with a greater sense of self-confidence and sure-footedness,” Smith said.
He made those comments after Silver and Bronze Awards were presented to the students during a ceremony last month at Harrison College.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Barbados, Registered Charity No. 3, is part of a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world.
Meanwhile, Greenidge said the programme set a new standard for inclusivity, empowerment and achievement.
“What began as a programme for deaf students grew to include participants who are autistic and those with low vision. This was not a simple expansion – it was a transformation, reflecting what true inclusion looks like: understanding each student’s needs and customising the programme every step of the way.
“The journey was not easy. It challenged all of us to dig deeper – emotionally, physically, and mentally. Together, we taught each other the essence of inclusion – how to meet challenges not with resistance but with creativity and compassion.” Greenidge said.
The Maria Holder Memorial Trust, Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ programme, funded by the Inclusion Programme.
Massy Stores (Barbados) Limited and Regus Barbados offered support.
The students’ achievements came after months of dedication to voluntary service, physical recreation, skill development and a transformative two-day experience.
The students gained the training skills in swimming, gardening and farming techniques, elderly care and assistance and essential life skills while pushing themselves to their physical limits.
Some of the participants represented people with autism, low vision and deafness.
Greenidge congratulated the students on their progress.
“You taught us that inclusion is not a destination but a continuous act of courage, care, and collaboration. This programme was focused on making you not just ready for the world – but ready to shape it. You’ve shown that dreams are not bound by limitations, and that capacity grows when given the right tools and opportunities,” she said.
She also said following the passing of the legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities, the DHP called upon more organisations and the private sector to join in championing the rights, inclusion, and success of persons with disabilities, equipping this community to lead, to learn and to thrive. (TG)
