The St Elizabeth EarlyChildhood Resource Centre presented certificates to 21 early-childhood teachers and 14 parents, who participated in a one-year training programme at the institution, last Thursday.

In her report at the closing exercise, at the St Stephen's Anglican Church, manager of the centre, Rosetta Hanson, said the participants were now better equipped to take on diverse challenges and improve early childhood education in their respective areas.

new skills

"The participants in this parenting education programme are moving on with far more than they came with. They have acquired more knowledge on numerous topics, they have learnt new skills, and have improved on others," she said.

She added that the teachers and parents shared their experiences with each other, and are better equipped to assist others and themselves.

"I implore you not to close the doors on the knowledge and skills that you have garnered. Open the minds of others to be better parents, and assist their children to be more functional individuals in this global sphere," she said.

Speaking on behalf of the parents in the programme, Thashi Francis, said they gained valuable lessons and skills in child care, crochet, embroidery, the making of toys, and other skills.

"We are now better equipped with more ways to make a living, thus making us independent individuals. This, I am sure, will promote the creation of jobs, resulting in some of us becoming entrepreneurs, and our communities and families will benefit," Francis added.

Early-childhood teacher and participant, Erna Black-Neil, said the programme was motivational and eye-opening.

"We are at a launching point in our lives. We are equipped with hands-on knowledge to fully effect positive changes in our schools. We will face challenges boldly, learning to take risks, and never to be afraid of criticism," she said.

Guest speaker and regional literacy coordinator at the Ministry of Education, Ivoline Fletcher, stressed the importance of a firm start in early-childhood education and congratulated the early-childhood officers who conceived the partnership.

She said they, obviously, saw the need for the programme, and hoped that other parents would become engaged in the education of their children and other children in their communities.

"This partnership must continue. As you launch out with this concept of parenting, I have every confidence that you will make a breakthrough," she said.