challenged, offers a unique programme for their students. In hopes of one day preparing students for the work force, the school sends some of their mobile children to businesses where they can learn necessary life skills. "Lindo's market has been instrumental in allowing us to do this,'' said the Orange Valley School principal Mrs. Geraldine Lambert. Twenty-four-year old Nickimna has been going to Lindo's every Monday and Thursday morning since October last year. "She is presently learning to stack groceries on the shelves,'' said Mrs. Lambert. "We take this kind of practice for granted. But there's a special way to pack shelves. And she is doing very well.'' Before Nickimna started going to Lindo's, a young boy from the Orange Valley School spent more than three years with the supermarket, noted Mrs. Lambert. "He did very well there and he may go back again one day,'' she said, adding that Lindo's has been involved with the school's day release programme for the last twelve years. Managing director at Lindo's Market Ltd. Mr. Georgio Zanal said: "The children are quite capable of doing small tasks like bagging groceries. It gives them a chance to express themselves and we can see them develop. "We think it's great for students and if we can help in any way, we are glad to do so,'' he said, adding that youngsters from other special schools are now helping out at the store as well. The Orange Valley School places students in businesses to develop their independence and skills with the view that if students become sufficient enough, they can possibly carry on the work when they leave school. "We must take them on site to teach them -- they need practical experience,'' said Mrs. Lambert. "It's a great way for them to learn. "If Nickimna continues to visit Lindo's, she may get the opportunity to learn other skills like packing groceries for the customers. And maybe one day, she could do it on a regular basis and get paid for it,'' said Mrs.

Lambert, adding that some former Orange Valley students now work full time in the company where they were once placed. "Going out into a business is a great hands-on experience,'' said Mrs. Lambert. "I'm so pleased that Georgio allows us to send our students to Lindo's.'' Another child from the Orange Valley School visits Aberfeldy Nursery, where she learns how to put soil in the planters, noted Mrs. Lambert. And another student goes to the A-1 Limited supermarket once a week to pack groceries. "Staff members or volunteers must go with the students on day release. This is part of the reason why some of the children only visit businesses once a week,'' she noted, adding that volunteers would be welcomed. Businesses have been very receptive and kind to the Orange Valley School. "They encourage our children and understand what we're trying to develop in them,'' said Mrs. Lambert. "And we're very pleased with the rapport that we've established with the various businesses.''