The annual Early Education Street March of involving Anguilla’s preschools was held on Friday, March 22.
The exciting and energetic annual event saw a brilliant display of colour as preschool children, their teachers, parents and guardians, took to the streets of The Valley under a sizzling sun.
The procession, with police escort, began at the agricultural grounds. It was accented by super-up cars playing a variety of children’s music. The parade made its way up to the traffic light on Albert’s Drive, turned south and then westward, down the St. Mary’s Street, before travelling north along the People’s Market and back to the starting point.
Reporting on this event is not only to showcase the participating preschools’ displays, but serves as a future reference for today’s juniors who will be senior students later on.
In the words of Preschool Education Officer, Mrs. Susan Smith, “Over 600 preschool and kindergarten have benefitted from the exercise this year. This parade provides them with physical development, as they trek the route – as well as intellectual development as they have been exposed to the creation of meaningful, symbolic costumes. That attire will boost their self-esteem and knowledge as they wear it and proudly participate in the event. The children actually own this event.”
Mrs. Smith added: “Each year, their costumes depict themes that they would have been exposed to during the school year. Such themes denote Anguilla colors, Valentine’s Day, fruits, community workers, recycled materials, etc. Evidently, this year’s parade is the biggest parade ever. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the parents and teachers who have worked hard to bring the parade to fruition.”
Many youthful parents who escorted their children were obviously touched by a spirit of pride, and onlookers were amazed by the jolly preschoolers. One viewing the event, and the display by the children, could not have resisted thinking about their future and prospects for their continued development.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
