It was an event full of laughs, messages of care and local talent when the Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation hosted the official launch of Child Month on Friday, May 12.

The Watch Party kicked off just after 10:00 a.m on the Ministry’s social media platforms including YouTube and Facebook, and was jointly hosted by Ministry representative, Marla Nanton-Jame; student Kaj Hector of the Bishop’s College, Kingstown; and Kwamesha Victory of the Emmanuel High School, Mesopotamia.

Care messages and performances came from students at the New Grounds Primary School; Sion Hill Government School; Bishop’s College, Kingstown; Kingstown Preparatory School; Edinboro Early Childcare Center as well as the Biabou Police Youth Club.

In her address, Chief Education Officer, Kay Martin-Jack said this year’s theme encourages adults and guardians to commit to caring for the nation’s youth and to stand-up for them against all types of abuse.

“Parents, guardians and adults, you too must show our children that we care. We must do all that we can do to protect them and report instances where we feel that they are being violated or taken advantage of. We never cease to tell them how much we value them and speak positively into their lives. We must provide opportunities for them to grow holistically …,” Martin Jack told online viewers.

Helen Bowens-Nero of the National Association of Early Childhood Educators encouraged all Vincentians to “embrace love, protect and appreciate” children.

“We are cognizant that the theme speaks to our adult population, sending the message and reassuring our children of our commitment to them; that commitment is caring.”

The virtual watch party also featured messages from the School Safety Unit and the National Police Youth Club.

Child Month celebrations this year are being held under the theme: ‘We C.A.R.E – Co-regulate, Analyze, Redirect and Educate’ in collaboration with the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Youth Clubs; the Development Division within the Ministry of National Mobilization; and the Nutrition Unit in the Ministry of Health.

On Wednesday, May 31 schools across will join in a National March and Rally in Kingstown.