Basseterre: St. Kitts, : Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley declared the celebration of Child Month 2023 officially open in a national address on Thursday, May 31. The event observed annually in June, will be celebrated this year under the theme: “Empowering Our Children through STEAM Education”.
Addressing the theme Minister Hanley stated, “Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), are the building blocks of any robust education system and therefore should be integrated into a child’s early years. The fostering of interest and exposure to these disciplines will ultimately contribute to the building of our great nation. As a small island developing state focused on building resilience and becoming more self-sustaining, it is critical that Science, Mathematics, Engineering, the Arts and Technology are viewed as integral to us achieving our goals.
Therefore, our children must develop an understanding of their world and be encouraged to explore creative solutions to the current economic, physical, environmental, and social challenges. Also, the Arts must be viewed not just as an avenue for self-expression but as a means through which our heritage is passed on. Our nation’s children are naturally gifted; they are curious, and therefore poised to learn tremendously through STEAM education.”
Expressing his gratitude to the employees in the Early Childhood Sector, UNICEF and other stakeholders Minister Hanley elucidated the pivotal role they play in the furtherance of our nation’s early childhood education.
“Our advancements and accomplishments in the Early Childhood Sector are a direct result of the foundation laid by the early and current practitioners and continued support from our stakeholders. Therefore, I take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to all our critical stakeholders for your continued support and hard work. Thank you is also extended to our local businesses who have granted concessions, donations, and sponsorship to the initiatives of Early Childhood throughout the years. Mention must also be made of our international partner UNICEF, for supporting the Ministry of Education’s endeavours to create best practices at all levels, to build capacity, to improve administration and management and to enhance the proper development of our young children. Such contributions continue to make a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning in the Early Childhood Sector and we are extremely grateful.”
The month of activities commenced with a church service held at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Sandy Point. Upcoming activities to observe the month will include a T-shirt and Promotional Day Monday, June 05, and Nevis Parade Day on Friday, June 09. Other activities include the Family Soup-A-Fair, Staff Appreciation, Dance Concert and Zonal Sports Day. The month of activities will culminate on Friday, June 30 with the annual Grand Parade.