Songs of praise and thunderous applause resounded throughout the compound of the Eslyn Henley Richez Learning Center in Road Town last Tuesday, when their usual morning devotion was graced with the presence of representatives from the Education Ministry, parents and members of the media to witness a presentation to the school.

A five thousand dollar cheque – part of an initial installment of an overall donation plan of twenty thousand dollars, was handed over at the institution by members of the New Life Baptist Church Outreach Programme entitled “Save the Seed”, which assists schools with special needs.

During the ten minute presentation, Bishop John Cline told the small gathering that the purpose of the Outreach Ministry is to sow seeds among the nation and touch the lives of people in the society from the “cradle to the casket”. He added that the donation for the selected institution was the brainchild of Pastor Ivan Smith who was also at the presentation.

According to Smith, the idea dawned on him through a vision to make contributions in various ways in order to make a difference in the lives of future generations.

“The Lord laid this place on our hearts and today we are here to sow a seed among the seeds of our nation,” Smith mentioned.

Bishop Cline told StandPoint that the donation was funded by a fundraising drive that was spearheaded by the Ministry’s Outreach Programme with a focus on students with special needs who are often ignored in the mainstream society.

The Leonora Delville Primary at Capoons Bay which was adopted by the Ministry over a year ago is one of the main beneficiaries of the programme since its conception.

“We cannot be everywhere, but we are bent on helping in every way we possibly can. It is not just the financial aspect of things we also make contribution to children who are falling behind in academic performances,” Cline added.

Bishop Cline said his Ministry is expected to accomplish its goal by donating a total of twenty thousand dollars to the Learning Center, by the middle of next year.

Early Childhood Education Officer Geraline Callwood, said she was very satisfied with the gesture as the institution is in need of assistance to urgently correct the limited space problems that students and teachers are faced with.

“This is just one step I hope many others would follow in this path. The community should also get involved and be part of the solution,” she implored.

Principal Vansittart Huggins, in expressing her gratitude assured the gathering that the donation supports a worthy cause and referred to Bishop Cline as an individual who was always dedicated to assist those in need in many different ways. Among those in attendance were: Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcia Potter and Special Education Officer, Lorna Dawson.

The Learning Center which seats approximately 17 students and five teachers, opened its doors in 1972 and has been catering for children with disabilities in the Territory.

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