School Resumes September 2020

School reopening date for virtual instruction is September 21, 2020. The first week of instruction will be used for introductions, pre-assessments, and orientation for technology utilized in the virtual classroom.

Through God’s great providence, we have received generous donations and government grants which helped us to acquire 65 tablets for student use in virtual learning. Student access to technology has been a great barrier in distance education. This will increase possibilities for student engagement and learning. We are grateful and praising Him!

CCCD’s learning platform is Google Classroom, which houses many apps to for teaching and learning, including Google Meet for video conferencing. The CADE-CTI program relies on Schoology for vocational courses and related areas. The simulation/orientation date for academic instruction is the week of September 28. Please remember our students and staff in your prayers as the school year begins.

Campus Prayer Requests for Pre-K-12 schools

Kingston: The campus would like to invoke God's providence at this time during this crisis. We are praying that the almighty will engulf us with his protective shield so that the campus will remain Covid free.

Knockpatrick: Please pray for the following.

1. Wisdom, knowledge and understanding for the management team that all our actions be guided by the Lord as we lead. 
2. Increase in the student population of CCCD.
3. The students to adjust to the changes caused by COVID (social distancing, online learning, no physical embrace, etc.).
4. All staff and students, especially those with health issues.
5. God’s protection for CCCD staff and their families from COVID-19.
6. Wadia Grey and past student Iesha Graham; their mother died.
7. Approval of grant by Food for the Poor Inc. to build another greenhouse.
8. Please pray for a successful school year.
9. That additional supporters, both locally and internally, will commit to consistently support the CCCD.
10. Blessings on farm produce. 
11. That members of staff who have not yet developed a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus will develop the courage to commit and do so.

New Training Programs Begin at JDV

Deaf Women’s Skills Training, Employment and Empowerment Project: On July 14, 2020, CCCD was approved for a project grant from RISE Life Management through the European Union. The CCCD Deaf Women’s Skills Training, Employment and Empowerment Project will be implemented in Granville St. James, Jamaica as a social risk management strategy. This employment boosting initiative will facilitate economic empowerment through skills and workforce ethics training. This will increase and improve the employability, employment prospects and productive capacity of 10 deaf women in the work environment, and reduce their vulnerabilities to unemployment, victimization and other associated socioeconomic ills. The project will run for 6 months.

Launch of JDV Transitional Plan: On Friday, July 21, 2020, Missionaries Kara and Patrick Bloemendaal launched JDV’s newly revitalized transitional plan for Deaf adult residents. The plan spans a transitional timeframe of 3-5 years and focuses on preparation for transition and integration into wider society. The training sessions include life skills management, basic computer and technology skills, money management, goal planning, health, and personal development, among other things.

Work Force Development Training for Deaf Adults: In January 2020, CCCD secured a grant from Digicel Foundation to implement CCCD’s Work Force Development Training for Deaf Adults. Between February 11 and March 7, HEART Trust NTA Business Development, Workforce Solutions and Employment Readiness conducted training and assessments for 81 participants. To date, approximately 41 individuals have received their certificates. The remaining certificates are being prepared by HEART TRUST NTA.
 

Prayer Requests from JDV: Our prayer request begins with praise and thanks to God for His daily watch-care over and provision for the staff and management of JDV. We seek His continued wisdom and strength to become more optimal in productivity, unified in efforts towards goals, vision and mission, and successful in agriculture expansion plans. Please pray for recovery of LIFE Team activities, implementation of the new transitional plan, and for the revitalization of church membership and activities. We also ask for God’s guidance and Wisdom in navigating the challenges and optimizing the opportunities of Covid-19.