Stakeholders learned more about the special design features for the new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre at community meeting hosted by the Virgin Islands Recovery Development Agency (RDA).
The project’s Design Consultant, Lavina Liburd of TigerQi Architecture was the lead presenter and shared the detailed plans for the school. She presented the site plan, floor plan, interior and exterior renderings, with detailed discussion on each room.
Ms. Liburd highlighted the special spaces in the building inclusive of acoustical panelling on ceilings to prevent echoing; tall ceilings to allow for use of the indoor trampoline, padded walls in the multi-purpose room and stable LED lighting designed to not flicker to reduce episodes and outbursts.
The facility will also house adequate storage units, and a hoist which allows teachers to lift non-ambulatory students without injury.
The modern design for the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre incorporates large windows to allow natural lighting and engagement with nature which has proven to be a calming mechanism, along with a Sensory and Withdrawal Room. Other project features are an outdoor trampoline and a rain garden to absorb the excess rainwater runoff.
Minister for Communications and Works and Representative for the Fifth District Honourable Kye Rymer applauded the RDA for the project which he called timely for the community.
He also spoke about a recent visit to a school where he was exposed to some non-verbal students. Honourable Rymer said that he is “quite excited” about this project in the community that will provide the necessary facilities for students like the ones he observed along with other special needs students.
Community Liaison Officer April Glasgow shared that part of the RDA’s remit is to ensure stakeholder feedback is integrated into project design and implementation and that open lines of communication are established and maintained for information sharing.
“We want to ensure we are touching the right persons and persons within the project impact inclusive of neighbours, community residents and the business community in the John’s Hole area,” the Community Liaison Officer said.
Speaking on construction activities, Dion Crabbe of Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Limited said that working hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., adding, “This project will flow a lot easier than previous projects we have completed, particularly when it comes to traffic as residents have road access from two different locations.”
The contractor said the residents will be provided with an update if any concrete pours are to take place outside the regular operating hours. Additionally, Mr. Crabbe said that residents can expect regular construction noise of hammering, excavating and trucking throughout the project duration.
The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) hosted the meeting on 25th October at the Red Cross Headquarters.
Official attendees included the Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer Mrs. Heida Sellwood, Education Officer with responsibility for Special Needs Education Mrs. Afiya Smith, along with the Principal Magdalene Alister and the Management Team of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre.
The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre established in 1972 to facilitate children with special needs, was destroyed by the hurricanes in 2017. The school’s administration and student body was then relocated to the Althea Scatliffe Primary school, but classes are now held at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cow’s Bay.
The RDA, in its remit to build BVI Stronger, Smarter, Greener, Better, has been tasked to implement several programmes and projects across the Territory by the Government of the Virgin Islands, in key sectors and measured by outcome statements identified by the Recovery to Development Plan, and linked to the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP).
This project is being implemented in line with the ‘Cohesive and Empowered Society’ sector, and guided by the outcome statement, “An education system that is modern and well resourced, providing opportunities for a highly skilled, globally competitive population that can participate and contribute to a sustainable Virgin Islands economy.”
It is also linked to Outcome 3 of “An Educated and Highly Skilled Population” within Goal 2 “Education and Learning” of the NSDP.
