3 visually impaired pupils who pass SEA honoured

ARIEL LEWIS, 13, and Jaidon Vincent, 12, visually impaired pupils who passed the Secondary Examination Assessment (SEA), were honoured this morning by the south chapter of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA).

They both passed for Tranquillity Government Secondary School and Debe Secondary School after completing SEA using Braille and other special teaching aids.

A third pupil, Akshay Sirju, who also passed for Debe Secondary School, did not attend due to a death in the family.

The Unit Trust Corporation presented them with $1,500 worth in units, a talking watch, and white canes. Ariel and Jaidon, accompanied by their parents, were asked to address the congregation which comprised TTBWA's vice president, Felix Cazoe, Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Suratt and manager Deonarine Ragoo.

"I want to thank my mother and grandmother for the support they gave me. Thanks to the ministry (Ministry of Education) for providing me with the teaching aids. They provided me with books and paper," said Ariel.

Jaidon, of Ste Madeleine, near San Fernando, in thanking his SEA school teacher Mala Boodan, said, "Congrats to Akshay and Ariel. My mother is the best person in the whole world. I promise to aspire to make my dream come true."

Ariel wants to become a radio announcer and Jaidon, a lawyer.

At the function, Suratt said that his dream as someone who is totally blind, has always been for children in Trinidad and Tobago who are visually impaired, to not settle for just weaving basket.

"Today, Ariel, Jaidon and Sirju, represent the future of the blind which is for inclusiveness in society."