A total of 33 students with developmental challenges enjoyed a memorable experience after taking part in the BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme in partnership with Endeavour.

The programme, offered to all students, aged 5 and older, from Paget Primary, Prospect Primary, West Pembroke Primary, Dellwood Middle School and The Berkeley Institute, who are on the autism spectrum or have developmental delays, offers experiential learning opportunities as a form of recreational therapy.

Students engage in hands-on activities to explore wind and weather patterns, buoyancy, and sailing fundamentals in a safe and fun learning environment.

“Students and teachers absolutely love the BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme with Endeavour,” said Dionne Greene, autism spectrum disorder teacher at Dellwood Middle School. “We look forward to it every year.

“Being on the water and on boats makes our children come alive outside of the classroom. They really look forward to seeing the coaches and continuing to build the relationships that they have been able to develop.

“By seeing them express themselves, connecting with each other and other adults outside of the ones they see every day and students from other schools being able to develop those relationships.

“Endeavour offers a more relaxed environment and students are more themselves, they are talking a lot.

“Just knowing that people outside of their families and teachers are invested in their lives and want them to do and be their best is amazing.

“It is also a great way to get other people sensitive to people with autism and their needs.”

Geovanni Hayward, Endeavour’s East Programme Manager, spoke of the rewarding nature of seeing students undertake the programme.

“It is inspiring to see students build their self-esteem as they see what they can accomplish on and off the water,” he said. “It is rewarding to see students light up with excitement when something they are working on really connects with them and they really enjoy the sensory experiences.

“The key is ensuring all aspects are as hands-on as possible with repetition to help students connect the dots with what they are learning.

“We continue to add new sailing activities to inspire curiosity and maximise student engagement.

“Whether they are feeling the water with their hands or feet while sailing, enhancing their motor skills by rigging boats and steering on the water, or interacting with sensory activities in the classroom, students are connecting with their environment which enhances their self-awareness while inspiring an interest for learning more about the world around them.”

Jahshon Smith, Endeavour Programme co-ordinator, highlighted the significance of creating an environment for all children to flourish in.

“We love to see students’ enthusiasm for learning especially when they are trying something completely new to them,” he said. “Often students arrive at Endeavour quite nervous and timid about new experiences, new people and a new learning environment.

“However, our team is dedicated to making students feel comfortable, working with each student at their own pace in a safe and supportive learning environment. With the support from their teachers and our instructors, students are reassured about safety and encouraged to give it a try.

“We are in awe of each student’s willingness to try something out of their comfort zone and we are amazed by their progress.

“We are very proud to see students build their confidence and skills such as communication and peer-to-peer interaction during the programme.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s executive director.

“Inclusiveness is at the heart of all that we do at Endeavour,” she said. “Endeavour is honoured to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for students with exceptional abilities to learn and grow.

“Our team recognises and celebrates each person’s individual strengths and talents while embracing their diverse learning styles and supporting their unique needs.

“We are grateful for the wonderful support from our education partners and teachers whom we learn and take great inspiration from their dedication and expertise.

“It is our shared knowledge and genuine passion that makes this programme successful. We are also thankful for the extraordinary students and their families who entrust us with their care as we support their continued learning and development.”