by Sorana Mitchell

Shala Thomas was born and bred in The Limes, Grand Anse, and still lives there to this day.

The mother of 2 works as a teacher in the same community, at a school she admits neighbours refer to as “the dummy school”. “I grew up in the Limes, and as a child I would always see the students coming by the fence and waving [but] not much communication.”

Thomas entered the gates of the Grenada School for Special Education (GSSE) in 2006, under the *Imani Programme. “I didn’t know or have any experience as it relates to teaching, especially students with disabilities. My childhood dream career was always to be a teacher, so when I was asked what field I would like to be placed in, I identified teaching, and I was directed to the GSSE family.”

By 2019, Thomas had acquired a Teacher Education Certificate in Early Childhood Education and, soon after, in 2022, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Special Education through an initiative of the Ministry of Education. “I didn’t see myself working there [GSSE], but now I am happy that somehow I was aligned in that area of teaching”, she said.

In 1976, the Grenada School for Special Education (GSSE) was established through the efforts of The Rotary Club of Grenada, the Association of the Mentally Retarded in Grenada (no longer in existence) and other concerned citizens, and a Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) volunteer, Janet Johnston Scott, who lobbied the government of the day.

The school was first housed in a bungalow at what was once the Carifta Cottages located in Morne Rouge, St George, and was later moved to its present location in the Limes, Grand Anse in 1977, to a space allotted by the government of then Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy. GSSE marked its 50th Anniversary with an appreciation and awards ceremony held in September under the theme Celebrating 50 Years of Overcoming: Breaking Barriers and Building Brighter Futures.

Thomas said it has been a privilege to be a part of such a milestone and to see the growth of the school. “Since my time starting there in 2006 to now, a lot has happened to build the children and encourage them to go out there and be part of society.”

The older students, under her guidance, have been participating in a job training programme that was started in 2022 by another staff member. The programme was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but resumed in 2024. Under the programme, the school approaches businesses in the community to expose the students to the world of work. Thomas said one of the challenges is getting businesses to accept the students, but they have been successful with the following companies: La Heliconia Hotel, Sea Breeze Hotel, Spice Isle Automotive, CK’s Super Valu Food Depot, Food Fair-Grand Anse, Fresh Impression Barber Shop-Grand Anse, and the Grenada National Stadium Authority. The job training is done in 2 phases — one phase for 5 weeks and the other for 8 weeks, giving the students work experience in two different environments.

Thomas said, “There are many rewarding aspects of the job training, including the fact that the students exceed the expectations of the staff. The staff [of the different companies] are very supportive of the students and look out for them well beyond the call of duty; lastly, the students can secure a placement on the job. Giving the students a try, it does not [only] boost the business image or impress the staff; it helps dispel the stigma that may be shared by the wider public.”

One of the school’s founding partners, The Rotary Club of Grenada, reaffirms its commitment to support. Current president of the organisation, Althea McPhail, said, “I am proud to see that for 50 years, the Grenada School for Special Education has continued to transform lives with the same compassion and purpose that inspired its founding. It is truly heartwarming to witness the care and dedication the teachers show to their students, and to see how they skilfully navigate challenges while celebrating every success, no matter how small. Their commitment reflects the very spirit on which the school was built. Additionally, one of the proudest moments for me is seeing the continued relationship between GSSE and the Rotary Club. Knowing that our organisation played a role in establishing the school and has remained a steadfast partner throughout its journey makes this milestone even more meaningful. It is a powerful reminder of what sustained service and genuine collaboration can achieve.”

Over the years, the Grenada School for Special Education has expanded structurally and in population. It started with 11 students but now has 84, from the ages of 5 to 21. Five students have successfully sat the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) since it started preparing students for the exam in 2018. Students are also exposed to gardening through its 4H Club, and they learn basic computer skills.

Thomas is firm in her choice of career. “I have interacted with lots of people who suggested that I should move on to mainstream schools, but I believe Special Education was my calling; just being in that environment and witnessing the students’ successes gives me a sense of contentment and happiness.”

Principal of GSSE Patricia Williams-Prince describes Thomas as a focused and goal-oriented person: “Over the years, she matured and performed credibly as a special education teacher. She’s dedicated and passionate about her job.”

* The Imani Programme is a government-led youth empowerment and apprenticeship initiative designed to combat high youth unemployment by providing participants aged 18 to 35 with skills training, professional development, and practical work experience. It is currently being reimagined and is going through a transition process toward regularisation.

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