BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE value of national pride is being instilled within the nation’s youth and was evident last Friday (Jun. 24) through a float presentation by the Cradles Nursery during the Child Month 2016 March.
The march, which contained thousands of children and their parents/guardians, marked the culmination of a month of activities that focused on the theme “Instill Values, Build Strong Children, Secure the Future”.
The Cradles Nursery, owned and operated by Lester Ible and his wide Beverly Ible-Frederick, treated the public to a spectacular display which was not only colourful but had national pride as its core.
Somewhat of an elevated platform was created upon which several children sat. It was vehicle-drawn and was decorated with several pieces of the national flower, La Poinciana, and featured at the back of it the words “Kittitian Pride”.
Some girls were bedecked in long flowing dresses which were white at the top and the skirt piece featured the other colours of the flag: black, green, red and yellow, while others were wearing dresses made from material from which the national dress is constructed.
Not to be outdone, the boys’ attire was complementary and similarly patriotic.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Lester Ible explained that as part of their development, the children are taught about their country, what makes it special and those elements by which it is identified. He said these include the national flower, the national flag, the national anthem, the Prime Minister of the Federation and the national dress.
He said his wife, being the more creative half of the union, thought it best to create a display that would showcase some of the things the students have been and continue to be taught. Thus the birth of the National Pride float.
When the procession got to the top of West Independence Square Street, it paused to give members of the Early Childhood Development Unit – who were standing on the eastern side of the road – a chance to get a perfect view of the float and its elements.
Some described the display as impressive and expressed their appreciation for the concept, especially since it is a means through which the creative juices within the children could be stimulated and skills honed.
One individual, who spoke with SKNVibes on condition of anonymity, explained that while academics are important, creativity is equally important.
“This sort of thing needs to be encouraged throughout the Federation, especially within the daycare centres and preschools. The earlier we get to the children and push them into exploring the avenues of creativity, the better it would be for us as a nation. Who knows, the next Picasso could be from the Federation.”
