Fifty-five children with various types of developmental disabilities have successfully completed the special intervention curriculum of the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP).

Eleven of these students will matriculate to regular schools, while 44 will be enrolled in special education programmes.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Karl Samuda said the ministry has been working extensively to build greater awareness and acceptance of children with disabilities within the Jamaican society.

He congratulated the students for their hard work and saluted the staff at the institution.

Samuda stated that the ESP has been one of the most impactful educational programmes in Jamaica since its inception in 1975.

“The ESP has been changing the lives of children with developmental disabilities through therapeutic interventions, and providing hope to their parents, guardians and caregivers,” said Samuda.

According to Samuda, in the past year, the ESP has interacted with nearly 4,000 children islandwide with thousands benefiting from the programme.

Some graduates of the programme are attending traditional high schools and performing exceptionally well, said Samuda.

He asked parents to continue nurturing children with disabilities so that they can grow and develop while realising their dreams.

“Many children have been able to walk and talk in spite of medical prognoses that said they would never have attained these milestones,” said Samuda.

Antonica Gunter Gayle, director, ESP, encouraged the parents to continue exercising patience with their children and work with them to be their best.

Valedictorian Aiden Clarke thanked the parents, families and staff of the ESP who have helped them.

“Continue to help us as together we shine,” he said.

The graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday (July 20) at the Apostolic Church of Jamaica Bethel Temple.