|
 
NOVEMBER
2007
KINGSWAY ACADEMY
STUDENTS GIVES ERIN GILMOUR SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND A HAND
From field trip to friendship, Dora Chisholm’s
Christian Values class at Kingsway Academy is the pinnacle of positive
peer pressure. After meeting the inspiring students of the Salvation
Army’s Erin H. Gilmour School for the Blind earlier this year, the
class embarked on a mission to make work a little easier by purchasing
one much needed Braille machine.
Unlike the Kingsway Academy students whose back to school list includes
pens, pencils and regular books, those attending the Erin H. Gilmour
School rely on costly Braille machines to do nearly all of their
assignments. With so many students and too few machines, sharing them
can often mean a lesson cut short so others can have access to them.
“We first became acquainted with the students at Erin H. Gilmour on a
field trip to meet firsthand people who are slightly different from
us,” explained Chisholm. “However, when the students got here, they
were in for a shock because they didn’t meet any disabled people. They
met peers with the same interest for computers, love for music and
living with the same Christian principles. They also realised that
there weren’t enough Braille machines and wanted to help get at least
one to help out.”
According to Charltoneia Deal, she and her classmates at Kingsway
Academy quickly organised a weekend fundraiser that included a souse
out, bake sale and car wash to help their new friends.
“It took a lot of careful planning and lots of corporation,”
noted Charltoneia. “The fundraiser was a huge success and we exceeded
our goals. We set out to get one Braille machine but we were able to
obtain three and bags to carry them in. It would not have been possible
without the guidance and help of God, the organizational skills of Ms.
Chisholm our teacher, the sponsors, staff, parents and students of
Kingsway Academy.”
Last week, Chisholm and her class were joined by the school’s
vice-principal Udean Sattem to present the machines and padded bags
valued at over $750 each. Principal of Erin H. Gilmour Maria Deleveaux
and her students expressed thanks through songs, a band performance and
a presentation in Spanish before inviting them for a small reception in
the school’s library where they got to check out familiar books typed
in Braille.
"You truly don't understand the value of these gifts," said Deleveaux.
|
|
SALVATION ARMY
CONTINUES RECOVERY RESPONSE TO HURRICANE DEAN
The relief phase of The Salvation Army’s
response in Jamaica to date has officially supplied food to 18,362
individuals. As other relief supplies arrive, they will continue to
distributed to areas of greatest need in conjunction with recovery
phase efforts.
The recovery phase of the Army’s operation seeks to repair and replace
roofing as possible, as well as provide bedding in several parishes.
Mattresses, blankets, metal roofing and wood framing will be
distributed by units in St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine, St. Andrew and
greater Kingston, Portland, St. Ann parish and St. Thomas parishes.
As of 5pm on Monday, 22% of the island is still without power and
water, according to officials.
Assistance from USAID has arrived and is in the Port
of Kingston,
awaiting clearance by customs officials. This assistance is in the form
of water, plastic sheeting, blankets, and hygiene kits. USAID is also
making cash grants to four agencies – The Salvation Army, the Jamaica
Red Cross, the Adventist Development Relief Agency, and Catholic Relief
Services.
625 mattresses have been ordered from local
producers to assist in the
recovery. “This is a good faith order, trusting in the Lord through our
partners for the funding,” said Captain Michele Matthews, Territorial
Disaster Services Coordinator.
Monetary donations may be sent to your local
Salvation Army earmarked
“Hurricane Dean Relief,” or made online at www.salvationarmycarib.org.
Photos and MPG videos available upon request.
For
more, click here for our Territorial Headquarters link
>>>>>>
|
|
|
|
|
