Various activities are being held in Anguilla in observance of Early Childhood Month.

The activities commenced on March 4 with the opening ceremony at the Teachers’ Resource Centre. The events, which will continue until month end, are taking place under the theme “Working Together to keep Early Childhood Education alive March 4 - 31, 2005.”

L-R: Tom Wright, Tr. Eldona Proctor, Tr. Rhonda Connor and Hon. Evans Rogers

Early Childhood Month was officially opened by newly-appointed Minister of Education, Evans McNeil Rogers. He said the theme was extremely relevant as early education was critical to the development of Anguilla and should therefore be given the attention it deserved.

“It is our young children who will be the nation’s leaders,” he stated. “They are the ones who will determine our nation’s destiny. It is therefore important that we provide them now with the appropriate tools and skills which will prepare them for their future roles in society.”

Pre-schoolers (with teachers) in song

Mr. Rogers took the opportunity to thank Patricia Baird for initiating the observance of Early Childhood Month. He applauded the churches and other non-governmental organisations for playing a leading role in the development of early childhood education over the years. He was also appreciative of the contribution and commitment of the teachers under trying and difficult circumstances. In addition he commended parents for playing a key role in the education of children. He observed that persons who did not have children in the pre-schools could not divorce themselves from the youth as they too were responsible for the raising of the island’s children.

“We must come to see that the wellbeing of our children can only be secured when the wellbeing of every one else’s children is also secure,” the Education Minister observed. “If these children grow up to be successful, productive and upright citizens, the island on a whole will benefit. If they grow up and become involved in criminal behaviour, we will all be at risk.”

Main section of attendees

Delivering the feature address at the ceremony, Education Officer, Rhonda Connor, emphasised the importance of parents working with teachers to meet the early educational and developmental needs of their children. She disclosed that in order to help address that issue, a number of appropriate courses for parents were being arranged. According to her, a coordinating committee comprising education personnel and health and social development representatives had been formed to carry forward the initiative.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas between parents and teachers at all levels of education,” she went on. “It is essential that parents of children in early childhood education are significantly more involved than parents at any other level.” She added that genuine partnership was essential for the effective provision of early childhood education.

President of the Early Childhood Organisation, Eldona Proctor, made a number of points showing how by working together educators and parents could impact the lives of children in their early years.

“Education officials must build a strong link with early educators,” she added. “Early childhood educators must build a strong link with parents; and parents must also build a strong link with the teachers.”

Mr. Wright presents awards to teachers Norma, Hazell Brooks and Lilian Wade

During the ceremony, Director for SUNY Cobleskill, Tom Wright, spoke about the university’s training programme for pre-school teachers and the assistance it recently provided to Anguilla. He made several presentations to three teachers for their outstanding performance at the institution. The recipients were Hazell Brooks, Norma Bennett-Maccow and Lilian Ward.

The ceremony opened with prayer by Methodist Superintendent Minister, Reverend Lindsay Richardson. It was chaired by Principal of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School, Celestine John, who has had a long association with early childhood education. The Vote of Thanks was given by Teacher Thelma Proctor.

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