Features

Moulding young minds for the future

BY MARLENE MCPHERSON, Star Writer

Mrs. Delrose Roberts talks with some children during a class. - MARLENE MCPHERSON

st. thomas

MRS. DELROSE ROBERTS has been an early childhood educator for 30 years and her interest in the education of the young has not waned.

For years this vibrant and steadfast disciplinarian has been in the teaching profession. She holds the post of Principal of the Chapel Hill Basic School, which is located in Port Morant, St. Thomas.

"I love small children. When there is a problem and they are around, their smiles and jokes seem to help to relieve the tension and bring new insights into the problem," Mrs. Roberts told THE STAR during a recent interview.

ENCOURAGEMENT

During the conversation with THE STAR it was discovered that she founded the school, which began in a church facility. In later years a school building was constructed on the same premises as the church. The church also uses the school for its educational training.

A large number of students have attended the school and graduated to different primary schools especially Port Morant Primary and Junior High, for which Chapel Hill is the main feeder school.

According to Mrs. Roberts, when she sees students whom she has taught, she is encouraged as sometimes she gets a hug from them and that elates her.

Apart from the past students' encouragement, she is happy to note that the different stakeholders have taken a keen interest in early childhood education.

"This is a positive sign but there is need for some parents to help these small children to have an early foundation by preparing them and sending them regularly to school," the educator opined. "The Government, on the other hand, should pay the early childhood educators a better salary because of the many roles these educators have to play for success to be forthcoming."

Mrs. Roberts was recognised for her years of service to early childhood education by the Ministry of Education and was acknowledged with a plaque at a dinner in 2003. A happy Mrs. Roberts concluded that because of the love she has for children and her profession, she will stay in the classroom until, or even after, her retirement.

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