Education
Department of Special Education Needs Services conclude Annual Audiology Assessments
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 10 April 2025: The Department of Special Education Needs of the Ministry of Education is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2025 annual audiology assessments, conducted from 31st March
to 3rd April across the four major islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This important initiative, in partnership with Hearing the Call and the 1 World Foundation, provided critical hearing screenings and hearing aids to individuals in need—especially youth—underscoring our national commitment to early identification and intervention.
This year, a total of 158 individuals were screened, including 85 youth under the age of 21. Several individuals were also outfitted with hearing aids, ensuring greater access to education, communication, and quality of life. These assessments form a vital part of our department’s broader strategy to provide equitable, timely interventions for children with special educational needs.
The initiative was coordinated by Mrs Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, who accompanied the audiology team to all islands. Reflecting on the programme’s impact, she shared: “These annual screenings allow us to not only identify hearing challenges early, but also to provide on-the-spot solutions through hearing aids and follow-up care. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child with a hearing need receives the support necessary to thrive in school and beyond.”
The Director of Special Education Needs, Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, commended the coordinator: “Once again, we see the importance of having strong, organised leadership behind these initiatives. I extend my sincere thanks to our Coordinator of Assessments, whose continued excellence ensures that our interventions are meaningful, timely, and far-reaching. Her ability to mobilise and guide visiting teams helps us meet—and often exceed—our national targets.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, also praised the initiative: “We are proud of the outstanding work being carried out by the
Department of Special Education Needs. Partnerships with programmes like ‘Hearing the Call’ are not just one-off events—they are tied into a strategic vision of building a strong, inclusive education system where every child has access to the support they need. I applaud the team for continuing to deliver on this vision with consistency and excellence.”
The Department remains committed to expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and building capacity to meet the diverse needs of students and families across TCI. For more information or to register for future assessments, please contact the Department of Special Education Needs at sens@gov.tc.
Photo Caption:
1st insert: An audiologist from‘Hearing the Call’with a student in Providenciales
2nd insert: An audiologist from‘Hearing the Call’with a student in Providenciales
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)
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