(EMU) – St. Kitts, April 9, 2018: The Ministry of Education has worked in partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan) to procure equipment for Early Childhood Centres in the Federation. The handing over ceremony was held at the Sandy Point Hard Court on Thursday 5th, April.

Speaking about the project, which was proposed in October 2016, the Minister of Education et al, Hon. Shawn Richards reinforced, “The Ministry of Education aims to continue to provide the best quality learning experiences for this most vulnerable and very valuable group of citizens. We recognize the pivotal role of engagement in outdoor activities to the socializing process and also the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development of our young children.”

 

Given the backdrop of the Federation’s early learning outdoor curriculum, which focuses on gross motor skill development as well as free play, the Minister also indicated the added benefit this cardiovascular endurance will generate. “Outdoor play enables children to ‘recharge their batteries,’ to reinvigorate themselves by engaging in a different kind of activity from their classroom experience. Play, which is important in its own right, enables them to get ready to return to the important work of learning in classrooms. Hence, engaging with outdoor environments fulfils a child’s basic need for freedom, adventure, experimentation, risk-taking, which are key(s) to being a child.”

 

“Early childhood is one of the most important phases of childhood development,” stated Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Gorge Gow We Chiou. He highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship the Ministry and The Embassy of the

 

Republic of China (Taiwan) has shared throughout the years. He added that The Embassy was eager to assist with this initiative. “Proper outdoor early childhood equipment can provide an efficient space for early childhood interaction. The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was invited to cooperate with the Ministry of Education on this important policy. We worked together to provide a quality learning experience for the most valuable group of citizens in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

His Excellency Ambassador Chiou announced that though the donation of equipment was fundamental, the successful execution of the project would not be possible without key stakeholders, “However, providing the outdoor activity equipment cannot guarantee a child conducting proper interaction with (his/her) peers. Without the valuable contributions by the teachers and parents/guardians, the national future of St. Kitts and Nevis won’t have the opportunity to be great.”

The Early Childhood Programme in St. Kitts and Nevis focuses on the holistic development of the child and provides family involvement in their programmes. The Ministry of Education is grateful for the generous support of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for making this project possible so the children can enjoy fun, and safe outdoor activities.