Retired Educators Honoured in Kitson Town

Two retired Educators who jointly served for more than 60 years in the sector were acknowledged as ‘Builders’ of the Kitson Town community in St. Catherine and celebrated for their decades of service.

They are 71-year-old Beverley Robinson, who served as a Teacher at the Kitson Town Basic School for 41 years and 83-year-old Yvonne Francis, who worked at the same basic school for two decades, before becoming a Reading Specialist at the Kitson Town All-Age School for six years.

Both were recognised during the Kitson Town Civic Committee’s inaugural Builders Awards Ceremony, held in the community recently, under the theme ‘Visionary Cultivators for Excellence’.

In her acceptance speech, Miss Francis reflected on her years of hard work with pride.

“The task of moulding their young minds while they adjusted to being away from home was not easy, but we happily faced the challenge. Seeing them grow and, ultimately, move to the next level of education made us proud,” she said.

Miss Francis pointed out that she always focused her efforts on kindness and words of love, while making sure that each student paid attention and listened attentively in class.

“We are delighted that our dedication over the years towards the nurturing of our most precious gifts (children) has not gone unnoticed,” she said.

For her part, Miss Robinson said she never regretted her time at Kitson Town Basic School, which began in 1971.

“I gave everything I had in teaching, by being energetic, vibrant, full of enthusiasm, honest, showing respect and love to my fellow colleagues [and] anyone I came in contact with,” she added.

“During those years, all I ever wanted was to dedicate myself to serving those little ones, which I did,” Miss Robinson said.

The ceremony saw members of the community, past students and officials lauding the women as stalwarts of the community, including wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Lady Allen.

“Miss Robinson and Miss Francis, you are strong women… you’re stronger than the pen, and this is why you’re being honoured, because you have built this community through [the] foundation you laid in the young people,” Lady Allen said.

She noted that teachers should be held in “high esteem” because of the integral role they play in a child’s development.

“This is what teachers do… they make children comfortable; they see the kids who don’t have lunch money and those who are not happy. Teachers have to be visionaries [and] everything that you can think of. They have to be problem-solvers,” Lady Allen said.

Meanwhile, Custos of St. Catherine, Hon. Icylin Golding, also lauded the teachers for their “invaluable work [and] individual approach to every child”.

“[Also], for the type of attitude you displayed and understanding, for all your efforts and exciting lesson plans [that are] always executed in a very warm, wonderful, caring and loving mood,” she said.

In the meantime, past student of Kitson Town Basic School, Tajhae Cunningham, reflected on her childhood memories with Miss Robinson as her “stern but loving” teacher.

“You are a stellar example of what it means to lead with humility. We will never forget that distinct voice of yours and how you referred to each child you taught as your grandson or granddaughter,” she said.

Founder and Chairman of the Committee, Garfield Angus, said the group was delighted to recognise the women.

“We also give God thanks for the persons who have come on board and believe in what we are doing and give valuable support, especially our sponsors, persons in the community and those outside. It could not have happened without you,” he said.