Parents, teachers and other adults have been told that there is nothing more rewarding that an investment in the development of the children of Anguilla.

The Kindergarten class of the Island Harbour Primary School

The statement came from Minister of Social Development, Evans Rogers, while delivering the official address opening Early Childhood Education Month at a ceremony held at the Church of God (Holiness) on Monday, March 5.

“We must take a very positive look at the development of our children both educationally and socially,” he went on. “It is in this early stage of development and education that the values and attitudes are instilled in the minds of our children.

St. Mary’s Pre-school children

“Parents, teachers, churches, the community at large along with the government, have a responsibility to develop our children socially and educationally in a positive manner…This sequence is not necessarily the correct order, but it is what is required to develop the kind of citizens we need and it must be continuous.”

He said that Anguilla was facing a number of serious challenges from some young people and the situation should be quickly addressed. He suggested that one of the solutions could be met by all stakeholders working together hand in hand to keep Early Childhood Social Education alive, part of the theme for the month of activities. He stated that somewhere ‘along the developmental chain’ there was a missing link in the way children were being brought up and it must be sorted out to help address the situation.

Students of the Alwyn Allison Primary School

Pastor Phillip Gumbs was of the view that children have the ability to learn very quickly and that there should be positive learning aids to help them develop their many skills. He suggested that they should not be allowed to watch television cartoons but rather the learning channel which offered better educational opportunities for them.

He called on parents to provide stable homes in which children could grow up, learn properly and develop healthy emotions and attitudes. He stressed that by cherishing and loving their children more they could help to give them direction for their lives.

L-R: Mr. Val Banks, Ras B, Tr. Claudette Belle, Mr. McNeil Rogers, Principal Veda Harrigan and Pastor Phillip Gumbs

President of the Organisation for Early Childhood Education, Claudette Belle, stated that parents should become active listeners to their children and speak positively to them; learn how to trust them and let them know that their confidence would not be betrayed. She urged the parents to ensure that their children do not stray from the values and morals that are the foundation of the society. She added that all parents should work hard in helping to keep Early Childhood Education alive as it was the driving force for Anguilla’s academic, social and cultural development.

Education Officer for Pre-Primary Education, Veda Harrigan, congratulated the Organisation for Early Childhood Education for organising the month of activities. She hoped that the body, headed by Mrs. Belle, would be able to meet the challenges of pre-school education and continue receiving the support of all stakeholders to achieve its goals.

The ceremony was chaired by Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Anguilla, E. Valentine Banks, who said he was delighted to have been given the opportunity to conduct the programme. He commended the organisers and wished them much success in the development of early childhood education.

The welcome and vote of thanks were given by Whaldama Brooks (Ras B) who also broadcasted the ceremony live on Heart Beat Radio. He made the point that one of the main attempts towards youth development was the need to challenge the energies of children in the right direction.

During the programme there were selections in song by children from the Central Baptist Church, Island Harbour Primary, St. Mary’s Pre-school and the Alwyn Allison School at West End.

Early Childhood Month commenced on Sunday, March 4, with a service at the Central Baptist Church. Teachers Appreciation was Wednesday March 7. There will be children’s services in various churches on March 14; a Teachers’ workshop on March 16; Open Week from March 19-22; Sports Day at the Ronald Webster Park on March 23; a concert at the Stoney Ground School on March 30; and a Teachers’ dinner on March 31.

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