Rose

Elgin Taylor, Star Writer

Some teachers are afraid to go near them, possibly due to the fact that a number of these students drool at the mouth and cling on to you for dear life. Coupled with this is their boundless energy and restless nature.

But these young persons with mental and physical disabilities have their good and beautiful sides, as their teachers will readily attest. They view them as special and no less than any other human being. It is therefore no coincidence that the work they perform is often referred to as special education.

One special educator who is trying to make life better for these little ones and loving it, is Pauline Rose, a teacher at the Enos Barrett 3D project in Linstead, St. Catherine.

Born out of Personal experience

Rose who has worked for 14 years ( 1987-1994 and 2000-2007) at the centre told The Star that her labour of love arose out of her personal experience.

"You see, I have two boys with disabilities. One of them has a sight problem, and the other walks with a limp which resulted from a stroke when he was three months old," she revealed.

She further explained that in order to take care of her boys properly she sought training in managing learning and other disabilities. This led her to her present employment where she has been caring for autistic, physically and mentally challenged children.

"One has to love children and possess a lot of patience." With a chuckle, she pointed to abrasions on her arm which she said were caused by a student. She continued:

"The students do show steady improvement especially where learning is concerned. We get children from neighbouring schools also. They come to us for a few hours of the day and then they rejoin the regular classes at their schools. If they are on the evening shift they come to us during the morning session and vice versa."

Financial Needs

A native of Wakefield district in the Linstead area, Rose attended Bog Walk Secondary (now High) school. She also taught for six years (1994-2000) at the Springvale Primary school in St. Catherine. She said that the experience had served her well in her present post.

Rose bemoans the lack of funds and resources which is plaguing the centre. She said she used to work five days per week, but that now it has been officially cut to three. In the interest of the children she says she attends for four of those days.

She is hoping that before long the needed funds will be realised and so too the dreams of the children in her care.