After 31 years Mrs Eltima Richardson, a long serving Preschool Teacher, has retired from active duty. Teacher Eltima began her teaching career at the Woodbine Preschool in 1984 under the leadership of her mentor, Teacher Daisy Ashby. When the Woodbine Preschool closed its doors in 2004 she joined the staff of the Ebenezer Methodist Preschool where she served until her retirement.
Teacher Eltima is greatly loved by students and parents alike. Many of the parents of her students today, were once her students who have insisted that their children also begin their school life under her tutelage.
Her love for children also motivated her to begin a day care facility in her home to serve the needs of children after school. It was these children who gave her the name Mom, or Teacher Mom, as she is now affectionately called by several of her present and past students.
In writing to Tr Eltima, Rev Wycherley Gumbs, Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church, who is also Chairman of the Methodist Preschool Board said in part. “We would like to acknowledge your dedicated services for the past eleven years from 6th September 2004 to the children who have passed through the Ebenezer Pre-School and to the Board as a whole. Your contribution to the foundation and growth of the Ebenezer Pre-School has been invaluable….”
The Church will be holding a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday September 20, 2015 at 5:00 pm at the Ebenezer Chapel in The Valley, in recognition of her sterling service to Early Childhood Education in Anguilla. It is hoped that all her family, friends, past students and well-wishers will be able to join her in celebrating this momentous occasion.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
