Independent Living Skills Camp equips visually impaired children with practical life skills

Twenty-four children who are blind and visually impaired have been equipped with practical life skills through the 2026 Independent Living Skills Camp, hosted by the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) in partnership with the Education Ministry.

The three-day camp, held from July 22 to 24, was organised through the Ministry’s Office of the Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for Special Education Needs (SEN)/Disability. It was supported by the United Women for Special Children and ExxonMobil Guyana.
Participants from Regions Three and Four were selected by their respective Special Education Needs Officers in collaboration with their teachers.
The initiative was designed to help children develop confidence, independence and self-reliance by providing practical skills that support everyday living. Organisers said the programme aimed to prepare participants to lead productive and independent lives.
During the camp, the children took part in a range of hands-on activities, including organisation and personal management, orientation and mobility training, home management, tactile and sensory development exercises, financial literacy sessions through buying and selling activities, STEM and robotics projects, simple science experiments, and adaptive sports such as blind cricket and golf.

Team-building exercises were also incorporated to strengthen communication, collaboration and self-confidence.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Friday, Assistant Chief Education Officer for Special Education Needs/Disability, Dr Keon Cheong, emphasised the importance of introducing practical life skills at an early age.
“Independent living skills are fundamental to ensuring that children with disabilities grow into confident, capable, and independent adults. Programmes such as this camp provide opportunities for children to learn through experience while building the confidence needed to participate fully in their homes, schools, and communities,” Dr. Cheong said.
He also praised the partnership between the Ministry of Education and the GCOPD, noting that collaborative initiatives continue to strengthen inclusive education and improve outcomes for learners with disabilities.
GCOPD Programme Manager Ganesh Singh said the camp offered participants opportunities that extended beyond the activities held over the three days.
“For many of these children, this camp represents far more than three days of activities. It provides opportunities to develop lifelong skills, build friendships, increase self-confidence, and discover that blindness or visual impairment should never be a barrier to living an independent and meaningful life. We remain committed to creating opportunities that empower children with disabilities to realise their full potential,” Singh said.
The GCOPD expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the United Women for Special Children, ExxonMobil Guyana, teachers, SEN Officers, volunteers, facilitators and parents for their support in making the camp a success.