“ Let us remember : One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world” – Malala Yousafzai
The Achievement Learning Centre (ALC) is a legally registered education and training institution that specializes in Special Education Services and Vocational Training for children and youth with disabilities. ALC was established in 2011, in response to the lack of access to special education services for children whose needs were not met in the mainstream education system.
ALC focuses on a wide range of special needs including the following disabilities: Down Syndrome, Speech impairment, Autism spectrum, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, Hydrocephalus, Physically challenged (arms and legs) , hearing and speech impairment and learning disabilities. Their programs are geared at providing individualized services to the students to meet their individual needs. The overall goal is to provide individualized training to enable each child to reach his/her fullest potential. Other focal areas of the centre are advocacy, training &capacity building, working with families and networking with community-based organisation to build inclusive communities.
ALC operates all year round, and offers a full day learning support program which caters to the diverse needs of its students. In addition to this, it also offers an after school academic program as well as an annual summer camp which utilizes a thematic approach. The themes are selected so students can be exposed to a variety of instructional activities that are fun but provide a stimulating learning experience.
Since its inception, the Achievement Learning Centre has implemented a number of initiatives to enhance the programs it provides. The most recent is called the “learn while you train” which focuses on the interest of the students as well as developing skills that will allow them to succeed in society. ALC can also be credited for having the first down syndrome person transition to the work place, two young men completed the CCSLC program and will transition to the Dominica State College to complete the GED (CSEC), and provided training of teachers in Technology for Education.
In addition to this, ALC has also been the beneficiary of projects which have aided in the development of the organisation and built their capacity to respond to needs of its students. Some of the notable projects are the Enhancing the Learning Environment Project, the Play Learn and Garden Grow Project and the Play and Learn Project. These projects were funded by the Australia High Commission and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust respectively. These initiatives sought to improve the physical environment of the school in order to facilitate more activities which would increase student engagement.
If you would like to learn more about the organisation, partner or collaborate with Achievement Learning Centre, click on the link below to access their contact information.
