12 students at the Salvation Army Erin H. Gilmour School for Blind and Visually Impaired Children are set to benefit from a brand-new braille embosser with accompanying software and television to facilitate the improvement of their learning experience.

The Salvation Army Erin Gilmour School is a comprehensive educational facility for blind and visually impaired children. The procurement of the new equipment, which was made possible by a donation of some US $6,000 by the Sandals Foundation, will facilitate student learning by enhancing the independence, literacy, and access to information of these students.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held recently, Delino Moss, Hotel Manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian, said, “Investing in equipment that assesses student's learning needs, improves their capacity for literacy and access to information. Such tailored resources also enhance their educational experience and is an integral component of making sure we are providing sustainable interventions to support both students’ personal journeys and their academic goals. The Sandals Foundation is honored to be a partner in this mission and are grateful to the administrators and educators who are serving in this space.”

The Salvation Army Erin H. School for the Blind has been in existence for over six decades, serving the visually impaired in communities surrounding Nassau and New Providence. Trained teachers cater to primary and secondary students who are unable to attend the regular school system. Students are provided with quality programs using state-of-the-art equipment and assistive technology devices with each child aided in the development of his or her own potential and independence. The school follows the Ministry of Education curriculum with some students being integrated into selected courses at regular schools as well as participating in all national exams.

“For our students, technology levels the playing field, while braille builds the foundation for growth. Together, they ignite transformation—turning barriers into bridges, and possibility into reality,” says Kevin Cartwright, Principal of Erin H. Gilmour School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “This donation of upgraded technological tools reflects both organizations’ commitment to empowering our students and we are sincerely grateful to the Sandals Foundation for this timely and meaningful partnership.”

For Divisional Commander at the Salvation Army Bahamas Division, Major Roodolph Meo, “Education is vital, and the Salvation Army School for the Blind determines that no child should be left behind.”

The Sandals Foundation supports key educational programmes that promote inclusivity for children. By working closely with schools, Government Ministries, and other organisations, the philanthropic organisation invests in the educational and psychosocial needs of students across the Caribbean.