By: Precious Mills
BASSETERE, St.Kitts- (Saturday 30th June 2018)-Increased participation of fathers in this year’s 34th annual Child Month Parade and T-shirt March held yesterday afternoon ( Friday 29th June) is being applauded by Director of the Early Childhood Development Unit June Wallace who says this year’s event in general has been the biggest one in a long time if not the biggest.
In speaking with this media house, she expressed: “This year has been the biggest in a long time if not the biggest while adding “We had lots of fathers. The involvement of the fathers was very good. We had a large contingent.”
Under the theme ‘Children’s Health, Safety and Security our Priority’, scores of children from over 70 day care centres and preschools in the Federation accompanied by teachers, parents and other well-wishers marched through the streets of Basseterre.
The many participants wore their green t-shirts ( green being the shade for the year occasion) in bringing an celebrative end to the month-long celebration.
‘Children need to be monitored-Protect us from harm’, ‘Safety in the home-Do not touch the outlet’ and ‘We need emotionally healthy children’ were some of the messages displayed by children in the parade-type outfits in addressing the theme.
Wallace said the event is not simply just a parade and t-shirt one but instead “It is about advocating on behalf of the nation’s children…it is about putting your money where your mouth is in helping to advocate for the theme.”
Commenting on theme selection, Wallace pointed out that such a message is an important aspect of for regional partners including the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and that “the theme is very important.”
“It is also a fundamental basic human need for survival that’s why the theme was chosen,” Wallace remarked.
She added: “Children’s health and safety is everyone’s priority. From conception to birth, we pay attention to the way they eat, immunised …”
Additionally, Wallace said that special attention should be paid in ensuring that children are nurtured in a safe atmosphere that is conducive to learning.
As revealed by her, the Early Childhood professionals are mandated to pay attention to children’s well-being which includes keeping vigilant of signs of child abuse and also whether or not children have been immunised.
Wallace told that there is a reporting process which takes place whenever a situation involving a child looks suspicious in regard to safety.
Asked what words of advice she has for fathers in light of the observed increase participation at this year’s event, Wallace commented: “There needs to be two parents in order to develop children’s health and safety.”
According to her parental involvement is crucial and critical for children’s growth and self-identity.
Wallace pointed to the team work among Early Childhood officials who normally come together to decide on a chosen colour for each year.
She informed however that this is her last year in her job post and that she wanted to leave a meaningful hue.
“That colour really represents life. We want our children to grow and thrive,” said Wallace who also talked about giving children the proper care and attention in their lives.
Wallace extends special thanks to all partners who have been “really supportive” for the 2018 Child Month celebration such as TDC, OD Brisbane and Christophe Harbour.
In regard to the sister isle Nevis, the annual Child Month Parade and T-shirt March was held on Friday 8th June. Notably, institutions from Nevis also took part in last weekend’s event in St.Kitts.