Brianna Lloyd, Jaden Ferguson and Hunea Moss penned winning essays to win their respective divisions in the “Integration of PwDs” into Bahamian Society essay competition.

Brianna, a 10th grade R.M. Bailey School student, penned the winning essay on the topic “How Can I Encourage Integration with Persons with Disabilities in Bahamian Society” to win the senior side of the competition. Jaden, an eighth grade student at Anatol Rodgers School, won on the junior side; while Hunea of South Andros High School was selected as winner of the Family Island division. The trio each received a tablet.

Brianna, who describes herself as an avid reader and researcher and who said English language is her favorite subject, said she was appreciative of the opportunity to bring greater attention to the need to ensure inclusion and access for all people with disabilities throughout The Bahamas.

“I am very proud of myself for entering the competition and winning the overall award because there were a lot of other students who participated,” said Brianna. “It is a great feeling to know that my essay was selected as the best entry among the senior high school students.”

Jaden, 13, said he entered the competition to draw attention to the need for persons with disabilities to be viewed beyond their disabilities.

“If more people were to focus on the abilities of persons with disabilities rather than focusing on their disabilities, then we would have greater inclusion for persons with disabilities,” he said.

The essay competition was held in the aftermath of a virtual disability awareness forum for students at the eighth through 10th grade levels in public and private schools throughout the country.

Kendrick Rolle, special projects coordinator at the Disability Affairs Division, said the forum and subsequent essay competition were a means of encouraging and promoting inclusion and integration at all levels of society.

“It was our belief that the best way to accomplish this objective was by starting at the school level, so that they can grow up with a knowledge, understanding and sensitivity towards persons with disabilities, so as to make life a little bit easier on both ends,” said Rolle.

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