NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (September 04, 2013) — The opening of the first government-run preschool in the St. James’ Parish is not only timely but historic.
Junior Minister of Social Development in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, one of the speakers who addressed the opening ceremony of the Combermere Preschool on September 02, 2013, said the establishment of the early childhood centre was timely because St. James’ was the only parish without a preschool and historic because the facility would be housed in a section of the Franklyn Browne Community Centre, the patron of which had a long and distinguished career in the field of education.
“Even though this building is only a temporary arrangement…it is my hope that the time spent here will be meaningful and productive…I would like, therefore, to thank all of those who have made the opening of this preschool a reality. Whatever role you played, be assured that it was an important one. As the institution opens its doors, I hope that it will continue to grow and flourish for many years to come,” she said.
According to Minister Brandy-Williams, the idea for the establishment of the preschool was conceptualised a long time ago but the present NIA had found it fitting to make the institution a reality. As she addressed the school’s administrators, she reminded them that they had been charged with the huge responsibility of shaping young, impressionable minds.
“You are charged with laying the foundation and that foundation could either be one of poverty or of riches, of greatness or of idleness, of good or of evil. It behooves you, therefore, to teach them only good habits and once you have done that, you should feel confident that their future will be bright,” the Social Development Minister said, emphasising that the support of the parents was also extremely important.
“I am encouraging you to give the administrators your fullest support…We have to partner with each other to raise strong, ambitious and productive children…Every success is wished to all…May this school grow from strength to strength.”
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