The Tribune

WHEN the 2013 graduates of the Vanguard School in Lake Wales, Florida, took their places, Yendise Marie Collie, of Nassau, with eyes that beamed brightly, stood proudly in their midst.

This was a significant milestone for Yendise, because medical experts gave up on her 20 years ago.

Born at 27 weeks’ gestation and weighing only 2lbs, her parents were told to “go home and get on with their lives”.

Yendise, they said, should have been aborted, and she may never walk, talk or make first grade.

Her graduation is a testament to her tenacity, determination, hard work and a sheer desire to achieve her goals.

When asked what those goals are, her response is “to be an elementary school teacher, to work with special needs children like me”.

Yendise’s parents, former cabinet minister and high commissioner Sidney Collie and Mavis Johnson-Collie, made sure that she had the support and experiences she needed to develop and learn.

Mrs Johnson-Collie, in response to the overwhelming expressions of congratulations, said what Yendise has achieved is also possible for the hundreds of other children with similar challenges in the Bahamas.

All that is needed are the right resources and support from government, community and parents.

Lauding the recent announcements by Prime Minister Perry Christie and Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald about the construction of facilities for children with disabilities, Mrs Johnson-Collie said she hopes the government seeks partnerships with a wide number of persons with disabilities, and not just those with autism.

She also stressed that in the area of education, “we do not need baby-sitting facilities, but rather a programme that allows the youngsters to have as well rounded a school experience as possible based on the assessed abilities of the students”.

At the Vanguard School, Yendise played volleyball, basketball and was a member of the cheerleading squad.

For her efforts, she was awarded the female athlete of the year award for 2013. The school also partnered with various community entities such as senior citizens homes, animal shelters and schools for children with more severe disabilities where Yendise and her classmates were required to do community service.

One of the highlights of her final year was her appointment as Residential Advisor (RA) to her dorm, a responsibility she took very seriously and enjoyed.

Yendise’s success did not come easy as it required huge sacrifices – financial and otherwise.

Mrs Johnson-Collie called on the government move with haste to secure the promised facilities so that children regardless of their physical challenges, are given the opportunity to learn and grow in a humane environment with dignity and respect.

Yendise shattered yet another ceiling when she received an acceptance letter to Beacon College, one of two accredited colleges in the United States for students with learning disabilities.

She hopes to start that chapter of her life this fall.

Her parents said Yendise’s journey thus far was helped along by many who saw the potential in her, including Cynthia Stanko and Bahamas Infant Stimulation Programme; Elva Armbrister and Bayview Academy; Lisa McCartney and the Meridien School, and Dr Cathy Brown and Marya Marcum-Jones e along with the team at the Vanguard School.