CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA — Students of the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre and the Dunnottar School were treated to a heartwarming morning of stories and smiles, thanks to a visit from members of the LUCELEC Club in celebration of Reading Month.
The initiative, held in May, formed part of LUCELEC’s annual educational outreach, which includes reading sessions during Reading Month and a school supplies drive known as Operation Schoolbox at the start of each academic year. Both programs are voluntary and reflect the personal dedication of staff at St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC).
LUCELEC Club Communications Director, Sydel Charles, emphasized the importance of ensuring all students feel included. “For LUCELEC and the LUCELEC Club it’s important that we are inclusive,” she said. “We thought it was important to spend some time reading with the students… it’s something that they will remember for some time. We want students to feel included and enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of what their regime is for school, what the facilities are like and how as a team we can assist.”
Principal of the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Vanessa Menal, expressed deep appreciation for the visit. “That’s not the first time you have supported the school, and we are thankful for your presence here,” she said. “You made our children feel included. It’s not always other children getting, but they too are remembered by businesses like yours.”
At Dunnottar School, which currently supports 94 students with developmental conditions including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, the experience was equally impactful. Principal Antonia Joseph noted the broader significance of such visits. “Most times, Special Ed is looked at as the forgotten sector in education, so when somebody takes on the task of engaging with our students, bringing something new to them, it’s always welcomed.”
As Dunnottar celebrates its 50th anniversary, Joseph reflected on the emotional resonance of the event: “Most times the students feel that yes, they are in the education system but apart from us teachers… they do not get much more exposure… so when anyone comes in, it makes them feel just a little more special.”
The LUCELEC Club’s involvement during Reading Month not only supported the development of literacy skills but also affirmed the power of inclusion and visibility for children often overlooked.
