Pre-Schools in Anguilla are having a series of activities in observance of Early Childhood Education Month which began on Thursday, March 1, under the theme “Early Investment for Sound Future Development”.
Education Officer for Pre and Primary Schools, Veda Harrigan, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Social Development, Edison Baird. “We must commend the Organisation for Early Childhood Education for ensuring that each year an entire month is dedicated to recognising the importance of Early Childhood Education in the development of our society,” she stated.
“This month provides an opportunity for us to focus our attention on our little ones and to pay tribute to the teachers who had the responsibility of nurturing them, and laying the foundation for their educational advancement. “
Ms. Harrigan stressed that the value of Early Childhood Education could not be over-emphasised. “Governments, all over the world, have come to the realisation that if they are to develop their human resource capacity, they must invest in Early Childhood Education,” she said.
The feature address was delivered by Careers Coordinator at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Anita Martin-Ruan. She spoke on the theme for the month: “Early Investment for Sound Future Development”. She advised parents to invest money in their children by ensuring they eat the right food; wear proper clothing; quality time is available for them; ensure that the introduction of books and reading is an important part of their early education; and instill in them a desire to attend church.
Mrs. Martin-Ruan quoted President Obama as saying that “Learning begins before birth, and by continuing to invest in our children at a young age we can lay the foundations for their future success.” She commented that there would then be this ripple effect: “positive and meaningful investment in our children early in life, equals their future success and the success of our communities.”
The programme included the distribution of certificates – in Early Childhood Education – to teachers by Susan Smith, Curriculum Officer, assisted by retired Professor at SUNY Cobleskill, Bonita Klemm.
Highlights of Early Childhood Education Month include children’s services in their respective churches on March 14; a children’s parade on March 16; Teachers’ and Parents’ Appreciation Day on March 20 and 28 respectively; and Sports Day at the Ronald Webster Park on March 23.
