Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre

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Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre

Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre

STATUS: IMPLEMENTATION

Ministry Partner: Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports

Project Number: 083

Contract Signing Date: 25^th August, 2023

Project Start Date: 5^th September, 2023

Project End Date: 30^th March, 2025

Duration: 18 Months

Design Consultant: TigerQi Architecture

Contractor: Autland Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd.

Funding Source: Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

BACKGROUND

The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre (EHRLC), established in 1972 to serve children with special needs, was devastated by the hurricanes of September 2017. Following the disaster, students were temporarily relocated to the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and are now attending classes at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in Sea Cow’s Bay. However, the current facility lacks the essential amenities necessary to accommodate their special needs.

Activity

With the rebuild of the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, the first of its kind, the Government of the Virgin Islands in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has tasked the RDA to construct a new specialized facility to serve up to thirty students.

Design requirements include being compliant with international disabled accessibility standards, such as those presented by the International Commission for Technology and Accessibility, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new facility is intended to be disaster resilient, constructed of durable materials which are easily maintained, and in harmony with the local environment. The facility will be wheelchair accessible and accommodate the needs of students who are severely autistic, mentally as well as physically challenged, and may have a variety of learning disabilities.

The new Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre is being implemented in line with the “Cohesive and Empowered Society” sector and is 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.

Results

The reconstruction of this facility will provide a fit for purpose facility, modern, well-equipped environment designed to accommodate up to 30 students with diverse abilities, further supporting the territory's commitment to providing quality education to all students. The facility will feature large windows to allow natural light and encourage interaction with nature, which has been shown to have a calming effect. Additionally, it will include a Sensory and Withdrawal Room, a Therapy Room, an outdoor trampoline, and a rain garden designed to manage excess rainwater runoff.