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| Premier and Minister of Education the Hon. Joseph Parry is ushered into the new Vern 'N' Llew Pre School by owner Mrs Vernitha Collins, followed by Principal Education Officer Mrs Jennifer Hodge. |
CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 06, 2008) -- The Nevis Island Administration's support for both public and private early childhood education institutions was reiterated by Premier of Nevis and Minister of Education the Hon. Joseph Parry who said that the Administration would ensure all enjoyed the same standards.
He was at the time delivering brief remarks at the relocation and dedication of the new premises of the Vern 'N' Llew Pre School at Craddock Road on Monday March 5, 2007.
The institution which was established since 1996 was relocated from Pump Road.
Mr. Parry noted that the Pre Schools on the island had played a critical role in the community since they allowed parents to enhance their lives and that of their children and provided a sound foundation.
"These schools are absolutely important in so many ways because they release the parents to go to work to enhance their lives and to enhance their children. Moreover, these schools also provide the right kind of balance for children so that they grow up socially sound to know how to make friends and they can get the basics of education," he said. ~~adz:Right~~
The Minister of Education noted, that it was important for pre schoolers to receive a solid start and urged the parents, teachers and pre school owners on Nevis, to ensure that the children were treated in a home away from home environment, that they were happy, well balanced, communicated with each other and received any level of attention necessary.
"Work with the children they are our future and we are depending on you to do a great job so 15-20 years from now we would say the Vern 'N' Llew Pre School has produced these outstanding children," he said and congratulated all who made the idea of the pre school a reality.
Meantime, Principal Education officer Mrs Jennifer Hodge, during brief remarks congratulated Mrs. Vernitha "Teacher Collins" Collins on behalf of the Department of Education for realising her dream to own a pre school.
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| Former student Miss Asurdee Wilkin cuts the ribbon to the new school |
She said Mrs Collins, her former student at the Charlestown Girls School, during her early adult years had expressed her desire to open her own pre school.
Mrs. Hodge applauded her for her stick-to-itiveness and determination. She also acknowledged her husband, Mr. Llewellyn Collins, who she explained partnered with his wife and stood with her in the venture.
Notwithstanding, Mrs Hodge noted that the demand for early childhood care far exceeded what government could provide and according to the Department of Education's statistics, there were three public pre schools and 12 privately owned nurseries and pre schools which operated on Nevis.
She indicated that early child hood care providers were key to building a sound foundation for the youth and researchers had concluded that those students who received quality education at that stage inevitable moved on to tertiary level education.
"If we are promoting life long learning, it is necessary to give the support and attention to the pre schools and early child hood education years," she said.
Mrs. Hodge took the opportunity to impart words of encouragement to Mrs. Collins and urged her to stay and stick with her vision as a mission for her school; to continuously seek training for her staff and herself, since education was not stagnant; to keep abreast with current trends in education especially what pertained to early childhood; to find ways to involve parents in their children's education, which would auger well when they reached secondary school.
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| Students sing the national anthem while parents and staff members look on. |
She also noted that the Vern 'N' Llew Pre School had celebrated its 10th anniversary recently and in every school on the island both private and public there was a graduate from the Pre School.
"It must mean then that persons are very satisfied with the quality and service of education that this pre school has been providing over the years. Keep up the good work," she said.
Other remarks came from Mrs Florence Moving, Education Officer with responsibility for Early Child hood Development on Nevis and the Early Childhood Development Unit St. Kitts staff who also presented Mrs. Collins with a gift and parents Miss Jean Caines and Mrs Sherlita Byron.
The ribbon was cut by Miss Asurdee Wilkin a former student of the Pre School's first graduating class.
Also present was Mr. Joseph Wilshire Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs Hyleta Liburd former Principal Education Officer in the Department of Education parents and well wishers.
