Education
DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HOSTS THERAPY ABROAD TEAM
#TurksandCaicos, July 19, 2024 – The Department of Special Education Needs Services recently hosted a team from Therapy Abroad, comprising two speech and language therapists and their graduate students from Hampton University in Virginia, U.S.A. The visit, filled with impactful activities and cultural exchanges, underscores the department’s commitment to enhancing educational
services for children in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
During their stay, the Therapy Abroad team had the opportunity to engage with key educational stakeholders. They had a courtesy call with the Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, and the Permanent Secretary, Cherylann Jones, discussing collaborative efforts and sharing expertise. Their itinerary also included a visit to Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, where they met with teachers to discuss best practices in Speech and Language Therapy. The Hon. Minister of Education praised the initiative, stating, “This collaboration with Therapy Abroad is a testament to our commitment to providing our children with the best possible educational support. The knowledge and expertise shared during this visit are invaluable to our ongoing efforts.”
A highlight of the visit was the 4-day Speech Camp hosted at the Salvation Army in Providenciales. This camp provided invaluable speech assessments and therapy sessions for children, offered them tailored support and interventions. The team’s dedication to service was matched by their enthusiasm for cultural immersion; they participated in local activities such as the island’s renowned
Fish Fry and enjoyed a boat tour, enriching their understanding of the local culture.
The Director of Special Education Needs Services, Dr. Anya Malcolm, commenting on the visit shared, “Welcoming the Therapy Abroad team has been a wonderful experience. Their work has not only benefited our children but also strengthened our community’s approach to Special Education.” The Coordinator of Assessments, Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, who oversaw and accompanied the team throughout their visit, shared, “Ensuring the smooth execution of this visit was a priority for us. The team’s dedication and the positive impact they’ve had on our children’s lives is truly commendable.”
Looking forward, the Department of Special Education Needs Services aims to host more specialized camps and assessments across various islands and provide ongoing training for teachers. These initiatives will further our mission to offer comprehensive support and services to our neurodiverse children, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve.
This visit marks a significant step towards bridging global expertise with local educational needs, demonstrating the power of collaboration in achieving excellence in special education services. For more information, you can contact the department via email om sens@gov.tc, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates on our programs and initiatives.
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith along with Deputy Director of Education for the Grand Bahama, Bimini, and The Cays District, Michelle Bowleg toured Holmes Rock Junior High School to assess ongoing progress and ensure the project remains on track to welcome students for the new academic term in September.
Following the tour, Smith expressed optimism regarding the ongoing progress, stating, “Having toured the site and seeing the work that is
being done on the weekend, shows the commitment and dedication to getting it completed.”
He also noted that after discussions with the contractors, he was assured that with sufficient manpower and around-the-clock work, the project remains on track for completion by September 1, 2025.
“One of our underlying goals is really access, so we are happy that the school will be up and ready for our students,” said Bowleg.
She highlighted that several zoom meetings were held with parents to keep them informed about key updates including booklists, uniforms, and staffing. According to Bowleg, feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It is a beautiful facility, one that parents will be very proud of, and the entire West Grand Bahama community,” she added.
(BIS Photos/Danielle Rollon)
