Bethlehem Project’ – to help children develop and thrive

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

In the heart of Port of Spain, a transformative initiative is taking shape at the Living Water Community’s Ministry for Integral Human Development (LWC-MIHD) building, located at the corner of Frederick and Gordon Street.

The ‘Bethlehem’ project includes a sensory-stimulation room dedicated to promoting holistic development in children, particularly those from local and migrant backgrounds who have faced barriers to quality early childhood experiences.

By fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning at an early age, the project aims to equip children with skills and confidence to thrive in school and beyond.

This project stems from a long-held vision, gaining momentum following the Ministry for Migrants and Refugees’ rebranding to the Ministry for Integral Human Development.

This change reflects a commitment to assist not only migrants but also local families struggling to access quality educational resources, said Alexandra Briceño, the Early Childhood Development Officer for the Ministry.

Bethlehem collaborates with networks like Mamatoto Resource and Birth Centre, and the Breast-Feeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago, allowing children with developmental needs to be referred to the Early Childhood Development Unit for specialised support.

The pilot project, launched Wednesday, August 28, welcomed five children aged three to six to explore its resources.

Briceño observed, “Sometimes I feel that this room, when even adults take a look of it, they feel like it transports them to childhood. So, they are curious to be engaged with the resources….to feel, to touch, to interact.”

She noted the heartening engagement and curiosity displayed by the children. The sensory room is equipped with various tools tailored for different age groups, emphasising learning through play.

The space features a variety of items including Montessori toys, busy boards, teddy bears, books, play doh, construction blocks, drums, and musical instruments. Activities stimulate both cognitive and motor skills.

“They were playing with the pool of balls that we have there, or they were doing something with the cubes, with the alphabet, the numbers. Also, we have a busy board which is engaging them with motor skills, but also sounds, because you have a xylophone….”

She continued, “But we have a visual too, in which at the end of the therapy, we have a projector, so we display some music with views, images etc. The last time was ‘Go Under the Sea’. As you see, we have some inflatables over there. They got inside and they were looking at the fishes and stuff, so stimulating the eye under the sea,” she said.

There is no taste or smell stimulation as “some of them can be allergic to some smells or taste”.

Understanding sensory development

Briceño highlighted the importance of sensory stimulation, especially since the brain develops rapidly between six months and five years. Activities are tailored to age, ensuring appropriate stimulation for each developmental stage.

She shared insights about working with children with autism, explaining that those at levels one and two often struggle with communication and social interaction, making stimulation crucial for their development.

Briceño told The Catholic News when a child first enters the space, they typically gravitate toward a particular toy. “And normally we start working with that. So, what we try is to make them comfortable in the things that they already know. When they feel comfortable, we take them to the other activities they don’t know,” she said.

Empowering parents and families

Recognising the essential role of parents in a child’s development, Bethlehem also offers workshops for pregnant women. These sessions cover important topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition after six months, and positive parenting practices. Mothers-to-be who participate will receive a newborn kit to support their journey.

The space will also engage fathers’ participation in workshops directed to best parental practices and childcare from pregnancy until five years old.

Briceño pointed out that many families in Trinidad, particularly migrants, struggle to access necessary resources. “..The places that are already established, unfortunately, the cost per session is really high. We are talking from $400 to $1,000 per session…. And also, if they go to the public system, the time for them to be assessed is too long.”

She underscored the space is designed not only for children with special needs but also for those who could benefit from additional stimulation. Pre-evaluations are conducted to determine the best approach for each child.

Feedback from the resource room has been positive, Briceño said. Briceño, a Venezuelan migrant, spoke of parents who did not register during the 2019, two-week period of the Venezuelan Migrant Registration Process, leaving their children home and inactive. “So that’s why we want them to come. We orient the mother or the father, how they can support the learning home.”

She emphasised the lack of information available to parents about stimulating children with special needs. “Sometimes they don’t even know what’s going on because there’s no information out there that tell them these are the symptoms or  the sign of a child that is developmentally delayed. They just know something’s going on when they take the child to school and then the teacher tells them something is going on That’s why we want to intervene early so they’re not going to be reaching five (years), six and going to school and find out something is going on,” Briceño said.

As Bethlehem expands, the need for financial support and volunteers will be critical. Currently, the team consists of just two members, with hope to expand as resources allow.

Briceño explained the playroom operates on an appointment basis, making it manageable for now, yet the need for assistance remains pressing.

For those interested in supporting this vital initiative, you can contact Alexandra Briceño at 433-1596 or via email at alex@lwc-mihd.com