DARE TO DREAM

On Friday April 7, 2006, the Right Honourable Owen S. Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados officially opened Harambee House.  Harambee is the new official residence of the Barbados Council for the Disabled situated in the Town and Country Complex, the Garrison, St. Michael.

This day culminated a long cherished dream of the Council to have a home of its own in which to pursue and fulfil the many programmes we have and intend to undertake.  The facility houses the Council’s secretariat and a Resource Centre which will be used by the nineteen organisations under the Council’s umbrella.  The Resource Centre encompasses a main conference room, member’s administration room, reference library and mini-computer training lab.

The realisation of this dream is a demonstration of determination and perseverance in the face of formidable odds.  When the Council began to actively search for a home, it proved a challenge to locate an accessible facility which could amply fulfil the council’s needs.  A further stumbling block was the almost total absence of required funding to undertake the refurbishment and outfitting of a facility.  However, the Council decided to demonstrate the spirit of resilience and faith.  The faith of believing in oneself, the faith that recognises that in spite of the many challenges, resolution to stick to one’s ultimate goal seldom fails to bear fruit.

Having found a building owned by Government with possibilities for accessible adaptations, the Council obtained a lease agreement and began the three year process of rehabilitation. To help us facilitate our dream, the Government of Barbados through the Poverty Alleviation Bureau and the Prime Minister’s Office provided the Council with the necessary finances to refurbish the building. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport provided the labour force and additional assistance was received from the Private Sector.  

With the establishment of Harambee House, the Council and its affiliates now have a centre which rivals any Government or corporate office in its efficient design.  It is also a model of accessibility as all doors are wheelchair accessible; the bathrooms have been fitted with the requisite grab bars and other fixtures.  More than this, Organisations will finally have a permanent home in which to conduct their activities. 

The dedication to achieving one’s dream is not only the mantra of the Council, but it must become the methodology of persons with disabilities.  Many persons with disabilities face numerous obstacles in seeking the most fundamental rights that others often take for granted.  Attaining graduate and post-graduate levels, sometimes present insurmountable barriers.  However, daunting challenges can be overcome with diligence, perseverance the belief in oneself and the support of others.  One of the Council’s staff members continue to push past both her disability and the challenging infrastructure to obtain academic excellence.  Kerryann Ifill has successfully completed her post-graduate degree with the completion of a Masters in Business Administration from the Durham Business School.

Persons with disabilities continue to aim for the best in spite of all the formidable odds facing us.  Through the support of several Government agencies and members of the private sector working in tandem with the Council’s Directors and staff, the acquisition of Harambee House was achieved. The legacy of Harambee, which means “working together”, will forever stand for achievement through teamwork.