Early Childhood Education Centres in Anguilla stand to benefit from a programme of assistance from the Government through the Ministry and Department of Education.
This was outlined by the Minister, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, when she declared open Childhood Education Month 2018 – at the Church of God (Holiness) on the Queen Elizabeth Avenue – on Monday, March 5.
“If we have to build a foundation for life-long learning, as well as socio-economic wellbeing, we must invest more into early childhood development,” the Minister told the teachers. “It is for this reason that my Ministry, through the Department of Education, will continue to support the work of early childhood centres.
“We will continue to invest in providing both short a long-term training opportunities for early childhood teachers and care-givers. This is an investment we are happy to make because it is absolutely necessary that we play a role in ensuring that you are fully equipped to do your jobs to the best of your abilities, and that those of you who take advantage of the long-term training opportunities, in particular, are appropriately compensated upon successful completion.”
She continued: “Recently, persons from the Ministry and the Department of Education, the Department of Social Development and two early childhood education practitioners, participated in a regional conference on early childhood development in Antigua and Barbuda. They have reported that at the beginning of the conference three pillars on which early childhood development rests were reinforced and echoed for the remainder of the conference. Those were quality teaching, quality tools and quality environments. I fully concur with this position and I am committed to ensuring that our Ministry, in partnership with all of you, makes this a reality.
“I wish to make clear to you how grateful we are for the work that you do in your early childhood centres. As I mentioned earlier, research has shown the interactions and experiences that children have, in their early years, have long-term impacts on their psychological development, socialisation and educational attainment. It is therefore critical that we ensure that the very best persons are entrusted with caring for, and moulding, our little ones. The theme for this year’s celebration is: ‘It Takes A Big Heart To Help Shape Little Minds.’ It is obvious that you love what you do and we are thankful that you have chosen this profession.”
The feature address was delivered by Ms. Annishka White, Founder of the Autism Organisation and a Senior Lecturer in Business at the Anguilla Community College. She stressed that teachers had a great responsibility to shape the lives of children. “You are not ordinary individuals; you are not insignificant. You are the foundation upon which we build,” she advised them. “I challenge you to have a big heart, to give your support and your love to all of our children and their families where possible.”
Ms. White spoke to some extent on autism and the need for teachers to pay attention to this condition that affects the lives and wellbeing of children. “We worry about our children’s future and what it would be like, and we hope that we do not have to worry about them being at school,” she further stated. “We look to you for any glimmer of hope that they would be well. We hope that you will give them all the love and support the same way you give to the other children.”
The opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Itasha Webster, President of the Organisation of Early Childhood Organisation. “The month of March has been designated as Early Childhood Education Month. It is an annual celebration to recognise and celebrate young children, their teachers and their parents,” she explained. “Our progress as an organisation is to provide appropriate education for children in the ages of 3-7 years in a happy space and stress-free environment.”
Ms. Webster went on: “By now, many of us should know how important early childhood education is. It is a powerful tool. It is also a key factor in the welfare of young children. The first 3-5 years play a key role in the lives of children as they begin to absorb the world around them and develop. The experiences that children have early in their lives affect their development physically, emotionally and socially. The best investment to ensure the future success of a child is to invest in the early years of their lives through education.”
Other persons who participated in the event were Ms. T’arah Niles, who presented a specially-written poem entitled “The Alphabet”, resulting in much applause; and Pastor Philip Gumbs, who delivered the opening prayer.
Among the activities for Early Childhood Month are a parade and food fair on March 16, and Sports Day on March 23.
