BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THERE was a sense of pride, satisfaction and joy when ten toddlers ended one chapter in their lives to start another, marked by a graduation in honour of the milestone that they had reached.
The graduates were: Jakeel Carty, Amandeus Woodley, Takiema Isaac, Mahesh Dora, Shavonne Williams, Taquanje Browne, Destiny Henry, Kalianna Grayham, Vindell Williams, and Cordell France.
Donned in their orange gowns and matching caps, the three-year-olds stood boldly in front of their parents, guardians, teachers and well-wishers and sang songs, recited poems and scriptures and were presented with certificates of achievement as well as other awards for their performance throughout the years.
Principal of the Nursery, Mrs. Sylvia Duporte expressed sincere gratitude stating " It is with anxiety I always look forward to having this ceremony each year as a blessing to these little ones who will be moving on to a higher level of education".
She said that it is always hard to let go of a child, especially after assisting with their nurturing from just three months old.
"It hurts to see, after loving them from the cradle, watching them make their first steps, hearing them speak their first words, and have them leave to continue their educational exploration.
"I stand here with mixed feelings realising that the bond would be broken among these little ones, myself and staff but I would like to encourage you the parents to foster a loving relationship with your child," she said.
Duporte pleaded with the parents and guardians not to compel the children to grow up too quickly, noting that “your most needed support is now, be there for them always".
She described child development, stating that it is how the children grow and mature physically, mentally and emotionally.
"Children develop at their own rates but all children strive when given love, guidance, encouragement and opportunities. How you care for your child is the most important part of their development process. You can make a big difference in your child's life; the only magic formulae are you the parents," the principal explained.
"It is with a heavy heart I bid them goodbye but I know that God will protect them and continue to be with them as they grow," she ended.
The parents were given a moment to speak of their experiences while at Kuddles, all of whom spoke well of the school.
Some of the parents were also presented with awards for their dedication to the school and their participation and cooperation in their child's activities throughout the time they were at the nursery.
Guest Speaker for the event was retired Early Childhood Coordinator, Vanta Walters who, in congratulating the toddlers, also congratulated the teachers, caregivers and parents as well as the principal for a job well done.
"I congratulate the teachers, the caregivers and the parents for having worked together in helping the children to reach this milestone but I also want to congratulate the proprietor Mrs. Sylvia Duporte. I was reflecting that it is hard to believe that it was sixteen years ago when this nursery was established and the fact that it is still going means that something good is happening here."
She also spoke highly of Kuddles Nursery and the principal, stating that she realised at an early stage that the school was going to be a success.
She said that the reason for that is Mrs. Duporte has the complete support of her entire family, her attitude towards training and how seriously she views the process, as well as the name of the nursery.
"When I hear the name Kuddles, I think of hugs and kisses, love, warmth and comfort and if this is what these children were experiencing during the three years they were here then they are on their way to a better tomorrow," she said.
Walters also spoke at length about child abuse which was also the focus for this year's Child Month celebrations.
She spoke of the repercussions of child abuse, and the importance of stopping it, while noting that victims of child abuse are usually negatively impacted in so many ways that they sometimes grow up to become abusers themselves.
"Abused children will be a curse for the future; they will destroy the country more and pass on what has been done to them. All of this is why they should be considered tomorrow's promise," she warned.
She again congratulated the graduates and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Kuddles Nursery, located at Ivy Battice Street, has been in operation for 16 years and caters to children from three months to three years.
