Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 03, 2013 (SKNIS): It has been twenty-nine years since the Early Childhood Development Unit started celebrating child month in June when special attention is given to the Federation’s youngest children.
Preparations have been made for young boys and girls to sing, dance, recite poems and dramatize at concerts and compete on the track at various events. The streets of Basseterre and Charlestown will also come alive with children participating in various marches.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Early Stimulation: The Key to Positive Child Outcomes.
Minister of Education the Hon. Nigel Carty noted in his annual child month address that the theme requires citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis to focus on the early years, “the critical period of life.”
“It is during the early stage of development that the brain is particularly open to new experiences,” he explained. “We need to seize the opportunity to provide stimulating experiences. If these sensitive periods pass by without the brain receiving the stimulation for which it is primed, we may reduce the learning potential of these children.
The Minister of Education took the time to acknowledge Early Childhood teachers.
“I wish to commend the Early Childhood teachers for their hard work and to thank them for their dedication,” Minister Carty noted. “I wish to salute Mrs. Vanta Walters, past co-ordinator of Early Childhood, the present Director, Mrs. Jacqueline Morris, and her resource teachers for their vision, hard work and creativity. This team has made St. Kitts and Nevis the model Early Childhood programme in the Caribbean.”
He added that countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Dominica visit the Federation to observe and learn from the programme.
“The Early Childhood Development Unit is a sector of which the Ministry is justly proud.”
The celebrations commenced on June 2 with a family church service. Other activities for the month include Promotional Day, Karaoke and Fun Night, Family Food Fair and Parade Day.