30 RCP children from Barrouallie say farewell

Every year, children reaching the pre-school age of 3 are sent off by the Rovers of the Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) as they transition into the formal school system.{{more}} On July 12, 2011, at the Barrouallie Community Centre, 30 children participated in a Graduation ceremony put on by the Barrouallie Rovers from the Roving Caregivers Programme. The ceremony, which was organized and hosted by the Barrouallie rovers, said farewell to children that have been involved in the Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) from birth and are now ready to move on to the next phase of the education system.

The graduation service saw the attendance of parents and relatives of the graduates who were also involved in the stimulation activities carried out by the Rovers. Jamielia Frederick, a current rover with a daughter in the programme, gave the featured address to the parents. She spoke of the benefits of early childhood stimulation in the early stages of development in a child’s life, and also as highlighting the different forms that stimulation can take: singing, playing and reading. She also outlined the benefits of the RCP programme, while thanking and encouraging the parents to continue with the programme and to tell others about its importance.

The Roving Caregivers Programme continues to train individuals in early childhood education to go into the homes of the most vulnerable to stimulate children between the ages of 0-3. When the child is of age and ready for pre-school, they are well stimulated and alert with brains wired and trained to learn. In addition, the RCP continues to involve parents to get involved in their children’s development and does so through practical and effective training workshops and stimulation exercises.

With the programme also geared at parents, two parents received special awards for their invaluable contribution and participation in the programme. The ceremony came to a close with the RCP children giving a wonderful rendition with their rovers, after which all collected certificates.