Education
Special Education Needs Services Host Weeklong Speech Camps for Children in Turks and Caicos
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE Department of Special Education Needs Services
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 9th 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
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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