Email

Print

Although summer camps are being held all over the country for hundreds of kids that are out on summer vacation, we found one that was very special: A special camp for special kids with special needs. The Belize Council for the Visually Impaired is hosting their 13th annual summer camp for visually impaired children. Today we visited the camp at Stella Maris School to find out more.

Lisa Zelaya, Regional Field Officer
“This is camp number thirteen. Our first camp was in 1997 and the purpose for when we had the first set camps was more of a socialization bringing everybody from the country so they get to meet each other. It has evolved over the years to now the focus is on education. Why? Because these children don’t go any special schools any more, they are integrated into the school nearest to their home in their district, in their town, in their village whatever. So earlier in the year we had looked at their weaknesses, whether it is in maths, reading, and writing Braille if necessary, just plain reading large print or whatever and then what we have done now is to work out an individualized plan of all these weaknesses and that is what we are working on.”

“It is love and at end of the day when the kids grow up and we see what they have accomplished it is something very touching, that you know this is what I have worked with this child from baby and when you see them as an adult, they have accomplished something good in life and you say that is the seed that I have planted.”

The camp began on July 13th and will run through to this Friday. If you wish to help at the summer camp or find out more about BCVI’s different programs you may call 227-7776.

7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift