Old program teaches new students Old program teaches new students (April 07, 2000)

by Stephanie Ericson

Bob Afamasaga had taught Junior Achievement programs many times before, but last Friday was a little different. He was handing out certificates of achievement to developmentally disabled students at Donlon Elementary School.

"I got attached to those kids," he said later. "It was a very emotional last day for me. Those special ed kids are special."

Not only was the experience a first for Afamasaga but also for the Junior Achievement organization in the Tri-Valley. The nationwide nonprofit group brings its educational programs on basic business and economic concepts to about 4,000 Tri-Valley students in classes at all levels. But taking the program to a special ed class was new.

"We thought we would give it a shot and see if it would work, said special ed teacher Debbie Jager. "It worked out very well."

"He was flexible and very patient," she added. "They just loved it when he came."

"I base the curriculum depending on the level they are at," explained Afamasaga. The Donlon class planned how to raise money to buy a tent by selling lemonade.

"The concept is so simple, but it teaches them simple business concepts," he said, including handling and saving money, and basic advertising.

"These things make them feel like grown-ups," he said. <@$p>