World Pediatrics, ‘Circle of Friends’ facilitate fifth traveling language clinic in Dominica

World Pediatrics is on its fifth Speech and Language traveling team clinic in Dominica, delivering specialized care for children with communication challenges. To date, the team has served approximately 200 young patients, helping them improve essential speech and language skills.

‘Circle of Friends’ has partnered in this work, supporting patient registration and working alongside therapists to strengthen local capacity. Local teachers are learning hands-on strategies and are already applying them in classrooms, reportedly helping students make remarkable progress.

Christel Pascal, a special education teacher from Achievement Learning in Dominica, who has worked alongside the therapists for the past three traveling team clinics, remarked:

“Being part of those speech and language clinics has been such a blessing, both to me as a special education teacher, my personal development, and the students in my classroom. I’ve become more aware of my students’ speech and language needs and am always eager to incorporate the strategies I learned from both the speech and occupational therapy teams I get to work with at the clinic. This has created a more inclusive learning environment in my classroom, where my students feel understood and encouraged to participate. As a result, my students are more engaged, confident, and better able to express their ideas.”

New this year: parents and caregivers will participate in the Communication Support Training program on the final day of the clinic, from 4 to 6 PM. This session equips families and educators with practical tools to support children’s communication beyond the clinic; at home and at school.

World Pediatrics and Circle of Friends continue to deliver care, empower educators and families, and strengthen inclusive communities in Dominica.