18 Students of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre have received certificates for Development through the United Kingdom based Award Scheme Development & Accreditation Network (ASDAN).

Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Connie George said the ASDAN is an education charity and awarding organisation providing regulated qualifications, accredited curriculum programmes and a range of other courses to help young people develop knowledge and skills for learning, work and life which is used mainly by learners with varying disabilities.

“The goal is to engage them through relevant and motivating courses to achieve meaningful learning outcomes, which elevate them to go on to further education, training and work, and empower them to take control of their lives.” Mrs. George said.

Special Education Officer, Mrs. Afiya Smith said Eslyn Henley Learning Centre and BVI Services currently utilise some of the programmes and persons are certified in various modules.

Ms. Smith said, “Presently, the courses, ‘New Horizons’ and ‘Transitions’ are being used with younger learners and ‘Towards Independence’ with older learners.  There are other options in courses offered which might be even more suitable for students at mainstream secondary level that can be explored on their website at www.asdan.org.uk.”

The cohort of students receiving certification are from January 2018 to June 2021 with a total of 18 past and present students. The certificates are for the following programmes/courses provided by the Ministry of Education:

1. Steppingstone Book 1 - 6 students
2. New Horizons - 3 students with 15 modules
3. Transition Challenge - 10 students with 48 modules
4. Towards Independence - 14 students with 65 modules