Creative minds, hands at Challenor

There is a common misconception that persons with disabilities are not able to be productive and creative but one senior teaching administrator is emphasising this is simply not the case.

Earlier this month, Head of School of the Challenor Creative Arts & Training Centre, Sonia Pile spoke to The Barbados Advocate about the work the St. Thomas institution is doing in the areas of arts, craft, technology and culinary arts.

During the inaugural science and technology festival at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Pile showcased the tech talk devices as well as the projects being undertaken by the Adult Training Facility. Pile explained that students there learned about the process of yeast rising in baking through the preparation of Chelsea buns.

Creation of mahogany wine racks and amplifiers
The school’s presentation also included wine racks and wooden amplifiers made from mahogany trees found at the institution. Pile said that the amplifiers on display were sold to UWI and the facility makes other items for sale such as cutting boards, ironing boards, chess boards and its pieces.

The Head of School wanted to dismiss the misconception that the students do not have skills and pointed out that all of them have capabilities but it is how to expose that talent.

Change of perception needed
Talented as the students are The Barbados Advocate asked if any efforts were being made to sensitise others to the disabled community. Pile noted that in the past, children at the primary level were invited to a Children’s Christmas Party at Challenor. The Head of School explained the Primary School children just stared at the children with special needs. Pile expressed the view that there is a need to talk and learn more about persons with disabilities in the home and the wider society.

“The wider society has to accept persons with disabilities first before their children can do it,” said Pile.