The Association of People with Disabilities in Guadeloupe has assisted another of its counterparts in Dominica in the wake of the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.
On Wednesday the association contributed food items, clothing and school supplies to the Alpha Centre located in Goodwill, close on the heels of donating items to the Dominica Association of People with Disabilities (DAPD) on Tuesday.
“We are very appreciative that Mr. Zig (Jean Claude) came up with that idea to provide supplies to the handicap, the mentally challenged in Dominica, who even made the trip himself to take it down to us,” Coordinator of the Alpha Centre, Brother Raymond Philogene, told Dominica News Online (DNO). “It will be put to good use in the school.”
Brother Philogene said the Centre also received donations from other individuals in the public.
Despite their disabilities, he said, the students at the center have something to contribute to society, “and they should be treated like any other person in society.”
“We need to be sensitive of their condition and needs, and treat them with love, care and respect,” he stated.
Meantime Zig Jean-Claude, who represented People with Disabilities in Guadeloupe, told DNO after hearing of the damages done by Erika he decided to come onboard to assist Dominica, particularly people with disabilities.
“It is a good feeling to contribute to people with disabilities who are in need,” he said.
Jean-Claude called on the authorities in Dominica to work together in order to put more provisions in place for disabled people.
“More opportunities should be put in place for them,” he said. “Give them an education so they can do something…they need help.”
Using Guadeloupe as an example, he pointed out that people with disabilities are given a lot of opportunities.
“Young people and adults, they learn to cook for people, they work and are educated to use computers,” he explained.
He believes this should be practiced in Dominica.
Jean- Claude is expected to leave the island for Guadeloupe this weekend.
Thank you for your donation to Dominica Alpha Center. They obviously appreciate your help and coming to Dominica to deliver it.
God bless you!
Thank you to my Brother Philogene, it does take a lot of love and respect to do what you are doing for the kids.
thank u guadeloupe it means so much to us thank u again