Molyneux, St.Kitts (Team UNITY Communications) -- The official opening of the Catholic Spirit Pre-School on Wednesday 15th January 2014 provided a fitting setting for Team Unity’s Leader outlined vision for early childhood. In his remarks to a large gathering of parents/guardians, church members, villagers and well wishes, teachers, students and media representatives, the Former Minister of Education, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, told the gathering it is his considered view that education is the best gift which we can give to our children.
These children are our special gift from God and if we are to give them the gift of education, let us do so fully and comprehensively. That is why we in Unity have outlined a policy of universal access to preschool education. We believe that early childhood education gives our children the head start they deserve in life.
Dr Harris told the audience that longitudinal research shows that children who have participated in early childhood education tend to be better adjusted and prepared for further learning in primary and secondary school. They were found to be less likely to engage in anti-social behavior, fewer ended up in prison and generally, they were adults that are more responsible.
Dr Harris also outlined plans to build a government run day care facility in Molyneux to accommodate children from Molyneux, Phillips, Bourryeau, Lodge Village and Lodge Project. He promised to adjust the pay scales for workers in the early childcare unit and in particular, to provide additional training and pay to SERVOL trained teachers. These teachers do not receive specialist pay or trained teacher salary scale although successful in the specialist area of early childhood education.
To rounds of applause, Dr Harris promised to make access to daycare facilities free of admission. Under Unity government, we will bring relief to parents who are struggling to pay the weekly admission fee to gain access for their children to the government day care. We will do this because no child especially the most vulnerable should be denied access to such critical education because a mother or father could not pay the admission fee because of their poor circumstances.
Dr Harris hailed the non-government sector, which has been catering to the larger number of children of preschool age. The government has not been able to provide a place for all students of preschool age. The private sector has been filling the gap and I thank them. I recognize their challenge. We in Unity will help them all. For us, the money spent on our children represents a worthy investment in the future of our country.
The Preschool in Molyneux is located on the grounds of the Family Catholic Church. The beautiful building was constructed with private funds. The Featured speaker was the Most Reverend Kenneth Richards of the Diocese of the St John and Basseterre and the school is supervised by Sister Julita Belle Bau.
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