Children should be given the opportunity to enjoy their childhoods and should not be treated as if they were adults.

This is the view of Gwenette Cambridge, Education Officer in the Early Childhood, Care and Education Department of the Ministry of Education.{{more}} Cambridge shared this opinion as she gave the opening remarks at the official start of Child’s Month on Tuesday, May 4, at the Peace Memorial Hall.

The month long activities are being held under the theme ‘Healthy Environment, Healthy Children.’

Cambridge expressed that a society or country is measured by the way children are treated. Identifying children as those in the birth to 18 years age range, Cambridge added that there was a tendency for children to be treated like adults. She stated the children should have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood.

The event, coordinated by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Association of Early Childhood Educators (NAECE), featured performances from preschoolers and students from primary and secondary school as well as speeches from several child care organizations.

Chief Education Officer (ag.), Lou Anne Gilchrist, giving the child’s month message, stated that the theme was chosen in part to remind persons of the importance of a healthy environment to live healthy lives.

Addressing the children present, Gilchrist reminded them that their environment includes everything that surrounds them. She urged them to take care of their environment, adding that they should protect their natural surroundings as well as show respect and love for the people that surround them.

Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel, declaring the activities open, gave a short address. Miguel stated that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that children are educated in a safe, healthy environment. Speaking about universal access to early childhood education, Miguel expressed that this investment is vital to the development of the society.

Other remarks came from persons including President of NAECE Angela Frederick, representative of National Committee on Rights of a Child Janice Fraser, and representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Health and the Environment. Thomas Saunders Secondary student Shanelle Browne also made a presentation.

Performances were done by the Fair Hall Primary School, the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and the Girls’ High School’s Veloxian Angels.(OS)