PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE Department of Special Education Needs Services

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 9^th July 2025 – In an effort to continue to advance speech and language development among children with neurodevelopmental challenges in the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), hosted Hampton University’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program as part of their partnership with Therapy Abroad.

Two speech camps, held at Ianthe Pratt Primary School and Shining Stars Preparatory, provided individualized assessments and group-based speech therapy sessions for 20 children identified with speech and language delays. These schools were chosen based on the high number of incoming speech and communication related referrals to the department. This initiative represents a growing collaboration between SENS and international universities through Therapy Abroad to bring specialist services directly to children across the islands who may otherwise face long wait times or limited access to therapy.

The visiting team from Hampton University included speech-language pathology graduate students and faculty members who worked closely with the Department’s clinicians to assess, support, and empower children through evidence-based communication strategies. Activities focused on language enrichment, articulation, social communication skills, and caregiver education. The team also donated a communication board to the SNAP Center playground as a resource for the non-verbal learners.

Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services, expressed her appreciation, “This partnership has made an incredible difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Every time we bring in these volunteer teams, we’re not just expanding access — we’re building confidence and capacity within our system. We thank Hampton University and Therapy Abroad for their commitment and generosity.”

Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, added, “We’ve seen firsthand how focused intervention can unlock the potential in our students. These camps allow us to fast-track progress for some of our most vulnerable learners and support parents in understanding their child’s development.”

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, also praised the initiative, stating, “These partnerships demonstrate our ministry’s commitment to building human capital, fostering inclusive education, and ensuring no child is left behind. I commend the Department of Special Education Needs for continuously pushing boundaries and creating meaningful, impactful change in the lives of our children.”

This initiative is part of a broader national effort to strengthen support services for children with special needs across the TCI. The Department encourages parents and caregivers to continue registering their children for services as more therapy teams are expected to visit throughout the year.

Photo Captions: 

1st insert: Therapy Abroad team and Coordinator of Assessments

2nd insert: Therapy Abroad team presentation to SNAP

3rd insert: Engagement with students from the Ianthe Pratt Primary school

Deandrea Hamilton | Eagle Legal News

Turks and Caicos, July 4, 2025 – The Minister for Innovation, Technology and Energy, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, delivered a stirring keynote address to the graduating Class of 2025 at Maranatha Academy, urging students to stay focused, be determined, and lead with compassion as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

Speaking on June 26 under the theme “The Pathway to Possibilities: Beginning of Greatness”, Minister Saunders congratulated the students, teachers, and families gathered for the celebration and reminded the young graduates that their journey is only just beginning.

Drawing from biblical lessons and personal experiences, the Minister shared three central lessons: the quiet power of focus, the importance of determination, and the value of compassionate leadership. Citing the story of the 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, he emphasized the importance of staying focused, even in a world full of distractions like social media trends and viral fame. “Don’t let trends become your truth. And don’t let the desire for popularity drown out your purpose,” he told the students.

Saunders acknowledged that the road ahead would not always be smooth. Sharing a personal setback—being fired 16 months ago and rehired five months later—he stressed that failure is not the opposite of success but rather the classroom where it is taught. He quoted basketball icon Michael Jordan and referenced figures like Coco Gauff and Nigerian singer Tems as examples of persistence and resilience.

The Minister challenged the students to rethink the meaning of greatness—not as power or popularity but as service. “The greatest among you will be your servant,” he reminded them, encouraging each graduate to put others first and lead with love.

Saunders also urged graduates to think long-term, planting seeds today for the world of 2050.

“Your influence will grow in the decades ahead. The world will need teachers who inspire, doctors who listen, and leaders who serve,” he said.

Closing with a heartfelt tribute to his late nephew, Roshan “EJ” Cox, Saunders reminded students to stay true to their purpose and walk humbly with God.

“Your greatness has already begun,” he said, sending the Class of 2025 into the future with both challenge and blessing.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 1 July 2025: The Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, recently welcomed a visiting team from the One World Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to equitable access to assessments and therapeutic services for children with special needs. Over the course of one week, the team conducted comprehensive multidisciplinary assessments — including speech-language, behavioural, and occupational evaluations — for thirty-one students (31) children throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This marks another collaboration with One World Foundation and builds on the government’s commitment to expanding early identification and intervention services. The visiting team worked closely with local clinicians to assess and support students who have been awaiting services, allowing families to gain clarity and direction on their children’s developmental needs.

“This initiative represents the heart of what we aim to do at SENS,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services. “Bringing together experts from multiple disciplines helps us give children the well-rounded, timely support they deserve. The partnership with One World Foundation allows us to address gaps in access and make real strides toward inclusive education across the islands.”

The assessments were held in Providenciales, Grand Turk, and South Caicos, allowing for wide-reaching impact. Dozens of students received evaluations, and parents were given feedback and guidance for next steps, including referrals for therapy and support strategies for home and school.

“It was an honor to coordinate this visit and see the transformation in so many of our students,” said Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments. “For some families, this was the first time their child was evaluated, and the relief, hope, and gratitude were deeply moving. We look forward to building on this momentum.”

Minister of Education Hon. Rachel M. Taylor praised the initiative, noting the vital importance of early diagnosis and intervention in national development: “As a ministry, we remain steadfast in our investment in the future of every child. These assessments not only empower families, but also equip our schools to better serve all learners. We are proud of the work of the SENS department and grateful to One World Foundation for joining hands with us in this mission.”

The SENS Department extends sincere appreciation to One World Foundation and looks forward to continued collaboration aimed at strengthening access to high-quality special education and therapeutic services across Turks and Caicos. For more information on the SENS Department and their services, you can contact sens@gov.tc.