Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 01, 2005): Coordinator of the Early Childhood Development Unit Mrs Vanta Walters says the celebration of the 21st anniversary of Child Month is a significant milestone which marks the true coming of age of young childrens educational development in the Federation.
Mrs Walters told SKNIS that the journey has been filled with many triumphs and challenges but that each triumph spurred greater enthusiasm and each challenge inspired greater focus along the way.
The coordinator said she looks forward to continued support from the Ministry of Education as her unit puts forth innovative programme ideas for the enhancement of early childhood.
Mrs. Walters explained that it was the high level of support given over the years that has caused the Federations early childhood project to stand out so much so that there are annual requests from other countrys in the region to use the St. Kitts-Nevis model.
Minister of Education Hon Sam Condor emphasized this in his address to officially declare the start of Child Month; He noted that St. Kitts and Nevis continues to be recognised as a regional leader in the advancement of Child Rights and maintains a strong reputation for best practices.
The minister stated that the many activities of Child Month are not an end in themselves but represent the collective gains which the country has made in protecting and promoting the rights of children.
The minister warned that the achievements should not encourage complacency but the continued re-evaluation and critical analysis to the approaches and policy for child development.
Today was observed as promotional day. Children distributed flyers and bookmarks throughout the country. Activities continue on June 3 when the Rural West Sports Day takes place at the Sandy Point Recreation Grounds on from 1p.m.
