Anguilla’s Minister of Education, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, has informed teachers and parents about various plans of the Government to work in partnership with the Organisation of Early Childhood Education.
She was at the time delivering an address at the Teachers’ Resource Centre on Tuesday, March 5, at the opening ceremony for Early Childhood Month.
“I must commend the Organisation of Early Childhood Education for its commitment, over the years, in ensuring that once every year we take time out to reflect on the importance of early childhood development – and show our appreciation to those teachers and parents who work with our children,” the Minister stated. “I wish you every success in this month of activities.”
She continued: “The Government of Anguilla is fully aware of the importance of early childhood development. From Government’s perspective, we see the provision of early learning experiences as a partnership between Government, working through the Departments of Education and Social Development and the private sector. We will continue to assist with the provision of resources, payment of salaries…and the training of teachers.
“Government has partnered, and is partnering, with UNICEF to provide training for teachers and careers in active participatory learning and early stimulation. We also continue to partner with the Anguilla Community College to offer, at little cost to teachers, the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. The importance and impact of training ought not to be overlooked. The provision of training for teachers has already proven, in some countries, to be a major factor in improving the quality of early childhood education.
“I therefore appeal to teachers to take advantage of the opportunity that is being provided. Our children deserve the best possible start – and we know that you love them – but we also want to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills to give them that start.”
The feature address was delivered by Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, Manager of the UWI Open Campuses in the British Caribbean Overseas Territories. Speaking on the theme of the month – “Early Years and Learning Years – Make them Count” – she stressed that it brought home the point that “what we do right now will dictate the kind of society that we will have when the children grow up.”
Dr. Fleming-Banks spoke extensively on the importance of early childhood education, parental and teacher support and responsibility to guide children in a beneficial social, educational and healthy way of life. She cautioned parents and teachers to watch their manner of speaking in the presence of children – noting that they practice what they hear and see, and that they have been entrusted to their care as parents and educators.
There was a full programme for the opening ceremony for Early Childhood Month which was chaired by Ms. Verlyndah Rogers, a parent. The welcome and opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Julet Simon, President of the Organisation of Early Childhood Education. The programme included selections by children from many of the preschools.
Other planned activities for the month are: Children services at their respective churches, March 11; Open Day at the schools, March 15; Exchange visits by teachers and Children’s parade, March 22; Teachers’ Appreciation Day, March 26; and Sports Day, March 29.
