New
educational programs that help mentally challenged individuals
function in society are a fresh perspective in education.
One such program has bolstered the self-confidence of mentally
challenged students at Southridge High School in Miami. This
program uses a new approach in preparing these students to
enter the job world. This program is a community-based instruction
that is rooted no in typical high school-related subjects,
but instead in learning functional living skills.
Monkey Jungle and the DuMond Conservancy offers a supplementary
program once a week that allows students to go out into the
community and practice their skills. Students help in
all sorts of activities ranging from preparing primate meals
and maintaining cages to caring for and learning about the
different species of monkeys here. The students look
forward to the weekly visits to the Conservancy, and they
are more optimistic about entering the job world.
One student in particular, Darrel Davis, a senior at Southridge,
has improved substantially in both his work production and
his perception of what he can accomplish. From working
side by side with zoo keeper, Tim Johnson, Darrel has gained
a new sense of self-worth. Tim has benefited from the
help of an assistant who follows directions and understands
the importance of quality work.
Monkey Jungle provides a routine and familiar environment
that is perfect for his level of learning and helps to prepare
Darrel and the other students for work environment when they
graduate from high school.
We would like to thank all of the students and their teachers,
Mr. Norris Joyner and Ms. Celeste Cobbs for their continued
participation in the program.
