The Saint Louis University (SLU) Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center (SCYWC) creates global connections to bring the best services to children with special needs as well as their families in Baguio City and neighboring communities. This commitment was vividly demonstrated on 12 July 2025, when members of the Communities Aligning Baguio and San Antonio, Texas (CABSAT) collaborated with Sunflower Pedagogical and Developmental Center (SPDC) to hold a one-day workshop seminar titled “Equipping Educators: Best Practices for Supporting Students with Special Needs.”
The seminar held at the SIRIB Center, Otto Hahn Building, SLU Main Campus, brought together local teachers, parents, caregivers, health workers, and community advocates with professionals from San Antonio, Texas. It marked a significant milestone in SCYWC’s partnership with San Antonio, Texas and highlighted a shared vision: improving the lives and education of children who have special needs. The seminar drew 60 dedicated teachers and community members from around Baguio City and nearby communities, all eager to learn from experts in the field of special education.
The lead resource speaker and esteemed special education teacher from Southwest Independent School District, San Antonio, Almie Pachoco-Latimore, MAT SpEd shared invaluable insights and practical strategies for teaching essential skills like math, reading, writing, and storytelling, empowering participants with tools they can immediately apply in their classrooms and homes.
A particularly moving part of the seminar was the heartfelt discussion on understanding special needs and fostering a culture of empathy. Family members of children with special needs were invited to share their personal stories, offering a window into the everyday challenges and triumphs of raising children with unique abilities.
One mother shared her journey of supporting her son, knowing life would be harder for him than for other kids. She worked tirelessly to teach him self-sustainability skills such as hygiene, respect, and discipline. Today, her son not only holds multiple jobs but also has a circle of friends and leads a happy, fulfilling life. Her story struck a chord with many in the room, offering a beacon of hope and reminding everyone that even when the road seems uncertain, perseverance and love can light the way.
The event also featured virtual participation from educators and counselors in San Antonio, who shared their expertise on supporting children with special needs in the classroom. The discussions covered critical topics such as individual learning plans, multi-tiered systems of support, and the integration of assistive technology.
The exchange of knowledge and experiences emphasized the power of collaboration in improving the lives of children with special needs. The shared experiences, practical tools, and emotional stories will continue to resonate with the participants as they work to implement what they learned in their classrooms and homes.
The SPDC and the City of Baguio are deeply grateful to the special education teachers and community advocates from San Antonio for generously sharing their knowledge and experiences. Together, we are building a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered environment for all children, no matter their needs or abilities. The activity is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education and 10 (Reduced Inequality). (Article by Lauren Weber, Peace Corps Volunteer | Photos by SLU SCYWC)
