30 certified in Early Childhood Training

— training first of its kind for Region 6

—participants urged to pursue higher studies at University of Guyana

Thirty (30) Early Childhood Development Practitioners are now certified following the completion of a two-month training programme in Region 6, East Berbice-Corentyne.

Several of the childcare practitioners are employed with Daycare Service facilities and took full advantage of the opportunity. This was made possible through the Ministries of Social Protection and Public Health, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), UNICEF and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

Some of the graduates shared with the Department of Public Information (DPI) their reason for seizing the opportunity.

“Before I was a housewife, and the love for children was always there for me. I decided to get up and do something, which led me to be a part of the daycare service. Receiving my certificate here today, is a next step closer to going to the University of Guyana and I cannot wait for that time,” Kowsella Harripersaud said.

Hazel David, another beneficiary of the programme said, she was employed at another daycare facility for more than nine years. She mentioned that the programme taught her several important factors which she will take along with her when supervising the little once in her care

“There was a good support mechanism, extensive tutoring, mentorship and much more, that myself and others will now put into our daily work schedule when dealing with children. The programme helped make us better individuals, and we walked away as certified Early Childhood Developers,” David explained.

According to Executive Officer of Early Childhood Development programme, Lavern Thorne, the initiative which provided formal training was the first of its kind for Region 6.

“We will continue this programme, and we plan to have more foundation programmes in Region 6 and 10. Therefore persons who would have missed out on this programme can look forward to future participation in Early Childhood Development in Region 6,” Thorne said.

She further urged the practitioners to be prepared for the new school term and implement their newfound knowledge.

In his remarks to the graduates, CEO of the Board of Industrial Training, Richard Maughn, reminded that the agency is mandated is to provide everyone throughout Guyana with the necessary skills to provide the services that will help to develop the country’s human resources potential.

“Everyone graduating here today is an expert to mould young minds, you are the experts that will help to develop the future generation, so they can indeed build a future that is prosperous.”

Early childhood education is an integral part of the government’s agenda. It will receive all the support necessary to ensure that preschoolers can better learn and retain the foundational skills and knowledge to help them succeed later in life.

In April 2019, the government commissioned a new Early Childhood Centre at Ithaca, Mahaica Berbice.

Source:https://dpi.gov.gy