Yolanda Grant, the mother of blind student Faith Grant, who aced this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) to earn a place at the nation’s top high school for females, has been praised for her dedication to her daughter.
Faith Grant earned a place at the Girls’ High School by placing 19th for girls and 43rd among the 1,760 students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) who wrote this year’s (CPEA) exam.
Faith Grant, who was born blind, was among special education students accommodated at the Fair Hall Government School.
Voice of the Disabled (VOD), an organisation that helps people living with disabilities in SVG cope with their challenges, congratulated Faith Grant, Yolanda Grant, their family and the dedicated educators.
“God has blessed Faith, kept her and provided guidance along the way. With a mother who has been passionate and persistent, Faith successfully completed her primary education and ultimately showed the country that all people are capable of achieving greatness, despite differences,” VOD said in a press statement.
The statement said that nearly 10 years ago, Sister Samuel, who served as programme coordinator for an annual event recognising persons with disabilities at Calder Adventist Church, introduced VOD president and founder Cheryl Adams and Yolanda Grant.
“This introduction would begin a friendship that blossomed and grew into partnership. As a parent of a child with a visual impairment, Ms Grant recognised the importance of educating herself, connecting with a supportive community, and seeking out the proper resources,” the organisation said.
Yolanda Grant was invited to become a member of VOD and shortly after joining, she was assigned to the role of public relations officer and served as parent group coordinator.
“Throughout her time at VOD, she delivered training for teachers and parents, and along with Mrs. Adams, worked collaboratively with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment,” VOD said.
“Not only did Ms. Grant commit to enhancing the life of her own child, but she dedicated her time to serving the community and contributing to a meaningful cause for differently abled Vincentians,” VOD said.
Adams and Grant worked to identify a school for Faith and advocated for proper accommodations.
“Securing resources for Faith required a great deal of engagement with the Ministry of Education. Ms. Grant had been using her own money to cover the expenses for specialised support and services for Faith,” VOD said.
The organisation said it raised the family’s needs to the Ministry of National Mobilisation, which at the time was responsible for people with disabilities.
“In response to the request for intervention, the Ministry of Mobilisation relieved some of the financial burden by coordinating assistance through SVG’s Youth Empowerment Service (YES) programme,” VOD said.
“There were many challenges and obstacles. However, Faith proved to be a determined, talented, intelligent and resilient young person with a strong desire to learn,’ VOD further said, noting Faith’s performance in CPEA.
VOD noted that Faith will attend GHS, adding, “Every child deserves a fair opportunity to reach their highest potential. Learning institutions, at all levels, should continue to evolve to meet the demands and needs of our diverse population.
“Creating adaptive materials, providing assistive technology, incorporating Braille and other alternative communication methods, offering family support, providing specialised training to staff and improving accessibility to physical spaces are just a few ways to promote inclusivity.”
VOD said SVG still has a long way to go as a society and a country.
“Parents and guardians, please take note of Faith’s story. We hope that you feel inspired by Ms. Grant’s unwavering pursuit of a quality life for her child. She understands the value of education, the power of advocacy and the importance of being present. This is only the beginning,” VOD said.
“Faith will need much love, encouragement and support as she tackles the different phases of life. As a person with visual impairment, Faith will also need assistive devices and other tools, which can be costly. If you find it in your heart and are able to offer your support, reach out to the family. You can use your voice and your actions to support local causes in your community and help other children like Faith.”
VOD said it will maintain its commitment to serving the community by advocating for change, encouraging independence through education and training, offering parent support, engaging with local churches and other entities, performing outreach, partnering with local, regional, and international stakeholders, and raising awareness about the matters concerning persons living with disabilities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.