UNICEF: Children are never too young to learn

The prospect that children are never too young to learn was heavily emphasized as UNICEF in collaboration with Government ministries and other early childhood education organizations here launched their campaign programme.{{more}}

The programme was launched on Tuesday, November 23, at the Methodist Church Hall.

This programme will focus on promoting the needs of children from zero to 18 years.

It emphasizes the need for healthy environments, early stimulation and other advances to create a healthy learning environment.

At the launching ceremony, Chief Education Officer Lou-Anne Gilchrist, addressing the parents and teachers at the gathering, highlighted the importance of creating a suitable environment for their children.

Gilchrist stated that parents must ensure that an environment is created at home that provides the best setting for instilling morals and values in the child. She added children that are exposed to positive behaviour develop positive habits, while a negative environment impacts a child negatively.

She also stated that the community should play a part in assisting in the development of the child by teaching them important social skills.

Also commenting on the significance of a healthy environment for a child, Shelly-Ann Harper of the UNICEF office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean said that parents and teachers are responsible for creating the right environment for the child.

Harper stated that in the first few years of a child’s life brain development occurs, and at these stages children learn vital language and social skills and how to control emotions.

Comments were also made by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Rosita Snagg, who called for the communities, teachers and parents to play a part in the development of the child.

Remarks were also made by Coleen Smith, representative of Caribbean Child Support Initiative, and Dr. Lisa McLean-Trotman, who gave an overview of the campaign process, which includes a series of TV and Radio promotions as well as brochures and posters.