PRESS RELEASE – SAINT Lucia’s most colourful independence event, has amplified its annual support to the differently abled children of the island with a technological injection poised to make their learning experience and that of their dedicated caregivers, that much easier.
The DASH executive team, on Tuesday presented two Samsung Galaxy Tablets, a fully digital HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 All-in-One printer to the Dunnattor Multi Disability Centre (DMDC) in partnership with longstanding event sponsors The Cell and Unicomer Courts.
The DMDC is the primary learning facility for most of the patients of the Child Development and Guidance Centre (CDGC) – the charity of choice for the DASH Independence Colour Run.
Principal of the DMDC Anita Joseph said DASH has over the years assisted in a variety of areas including the purchasing of teaching aids, wheelchair access transportation, school scholarships, the importing of pediatric therapists and more.
“This donation will benefit our center for children with multiple disabilities and improve the efficiency of what our teachers do to help the students greatly. I know our students are very much into technology so of course the tablets will also assist in that aspect in the classroom,” Joseph said.
For the past few years, DASH has solidified itself as a staple on the Saint Lucia Independence Calendar, bringing increased focus to event and–most importantly–the cause, allowing for new cross-sector partnerships as with the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (SLNYC), which allow for more hands-on impact with the island’s youth.
Director of the CDGC Dr. Kim Gardner said, “DASH has allowed us to show people of the community that children with disability should not be excluded or forgotten but rather included and showcase the ability in their disability. The management of DASH has always allowed us to better help both the children and the public, understand and embrace their differences. Any hole that needs plugging DASH has essentially assisted with in one way or another.”
DASH 2019 was officially launched on January 24 under the Saint Lucia Independence Theme “All In… Our Journey, Our Future” with its Directors committing to delivering another substantial experience for participants and beneficiaries.
“We are more than happy with the way this year’s planning is coming along and we are looking forward to maintaining the relationships we are building between the CDGC and our partners here with us on this particular presentation. With the Cell’s edge on technology and gadgets as well as Unicomer’s reputation on furnishings and office supplies, we are certain that both the children and caregivers could continue to benefit considerably through these alliances,” the DASH executive team said in a brief statement.
Jermile Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of The Cell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to not only partner with the CDGC but gain first hand insight into what it represents for the differently abled children in the island.
“We at The Cell are happy to be associated with yet another undertaking such as this one as we continue to embrace our Corporate Social Responsibility by connecting with the communities around us, bridging the gaps in technology where it is needed most and making available the necessary tools and facilities to provide empowerment,” Daniel said.
Elwyn Phillips, Integrated Solutions Manager at Courts, said “At Unicomer we are always willing to assist when and where we can.”
The 5th edition of DASH Independence Colour Run will be staged on February 24, 2019.