Mohammed’s Bookstore Associates Limited has opened the country’s first “inclusive” bookstore.
Speaking at the grand opening of the company’s sixth branch located along the Western Main Road in Cocorite yesterday, Ameerah Mohammed, daughter of the company’s founder Teddy Mohammed, said that the store will seek to cater to customers with learning and physical disabilities.
Mohammed said: “Education is not a one size fits all...Why should we restrict persons who see the world differently from the accepted norm from a place where they may feel comfortable?”
She added, “Inclusive in this context means creating a space where persons who belong to certain minority groups, such as persons with learning disabilities, neurological disorders, and even Venezuelan migrants, can feel a sense of community.”
She noted that the store will feature signs in Braille for persons who are visually impaired, and sensory walks for persons with autism, as well as books and signs in Spanish.
“Let’s not forget there has been an influx of Venezuelan migrants and these people should feel welcomed in every space they enter,” she said.
In her feature address, Mohammed also gave a heartfelt synopsis of her father’s journey in starting the now-successful business.
She explained that he was forced to drop out of school at age 14, as his parents could not afford the then tuition for secondary education.
She said he got a job as a cleaner at a popular bookstore in San Fernando and was quickly promoted to a managerial position based on his hard work and natural sales ability. He eventually left the company to start his own in 1974, with the help of a loan from his brother.
In his emotional address, the elder Mohammed thanked his family and loyal staff for his success.
“Without you, we would not be here today,” he said.
The bookstore is housed in a multi-level shopping complex owned by the company, which is named after Mohammed’s daughter. It is expected to feature several other stores as well as a rooftop bar with a sweeping view of the sea.
