Education in Barbados is free, accessible and compulsory for children under the age of 16. While 90% of the population is literate, the remaining 10% remains uneducated for reasons of poverty or special needs.

Many families cannot afford the cost of books, uniforms and transport, or may need children to leave school and go to work in order to bring in income.

As for disabled children, no provision is made for their needs within the school environment, with the result that many are unable to attend school. This summer I am really excited because I will working with the children that frequent my organization and will also be a camp counselor with children who have  AIDS. Although I will go through very strict trainings to be able to work with these children, I plan on really being of aid and coming into my practice experience with an open heart and an open mind.