Hello
I am
Samantha, a Child Rights Advocate and PhD Candidate in Psychology at Curtin
University in Perth, Australia. I am principally interested in educational
development among persons with learning difficulties/disabilities. Having grown up with a brother who
has dyslexia (primarily a difficulty in reading), I have been exposed to the
academic dilemmas and lack of scholarship opportunities faced by persons with a
learning difficulty. For example, because of their learning difficulties, they may
find it hard to maintain focus while reading or fully grasp the different
sounds in words, in the case of people with dyslexia. This in turn affects the
ability to effectively learn and is demonstrated by their poor grades at
school, regardless of the passion and drive to achieve.
In my brother's case,he decided to pursue tertiary studies,
with a spirit of diligence and determination. On numerous occasions, I have
assisted him with his submission of scholarship applications. However, there
was always a pattern of rejection with a consistent response “I’m sorry but you
have not met the academic requirements.” This was the plight of my brother, but
his story perhaps extends to other persons with a learning difficulty.
Resulting from his difficulties, he has not been able to obtain scholarships,
which could have reduced the cost of tertiary education.
This
reality bothered me, therefore, I took two steps. Firstly, I decided to pursue
doctoral studies where my research focuses on proposing a refined theory of
dyslexia. The overall aim
is to inform theory and remediation techniques so that people with dyslexia
would be able to improve their reading abilities. Secondly, I decided to
implement the current initiative, Project Capability which is
designed specifically to fund a person with a learning difficulty to attend
College.
Objectives of Project
Capability
Project
Capability is driven by the motto “Projecting Capability, NOT disability”.
The primary objective is to raise funds for persons with learning difficulties to pursue
tertiary studies. This will be done on an annual basis and in its first year,
the scholarship will be provided to the Montego Bay Community College in Jamaica.
The
aim is to raise tuition funds of USD $2000. I have already collected USD
$200 through a collection tin drive. Therefore, this online campaign aims to
raise the remainder of that target (i.e. USD $1800). This will facilitate enrolment in various
degrees at the College, which requires the student to have funds between USD
$1000 - $2000 in order to successfully complete one year of training. Project
Capability aims to raise funds annually for the selected student until they
have successfully completed the stated duration of the course. If the project
raises more money than required per year, the additional funds will roll over
and contribute to payment for the remaining years. The target grant will not be
dispersed to the student, but will be paid directly to the institution on
behalf of the selected student. Correspondence has been made with the principal
of the Montego Bay Community College and it has been well- received.
Expected Impact of
Project Capability
The
contribution to this campaign will make a huge impact upon the lives of people
with a learning difficulty. It serves to do so by promoting awareness of the
capabilities and contributions of persons with disabilities, through their
skills, merits and abilities, as well as, to foster their growth at all levels
of the education system (United Nations, 2015). Additionally, the project
aims to grow in magnitude with the aim of assisting more than one student at a
time.
Moreover,
it will encourage corporate responsibility through sponsorship and fundraising
activities. A small amount can make an enormous difference to alleviate the
pressure associated with funding tertiary education. Any investment in human
life, equality and opportunity reaps multitudes of rewards for both the
Jamaican and global economy.
Other Ways You Can Help
If
you can’t contribute now that’s ok but you can also help me by sharing this
video and encouraging others to donate.
Thank
you and have a wonderful day!
