Gov’t Investing Big In Early Childhood Education

Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, says the Government is making significant investment in early childhood education as part of the national development process.

He noted that the period between birth and eight years is the most important in a child’s development and laying a strong foundation at the early childhood level will ensure success in the ensuing years.

“The problem that we have at primary school and at high school would not be as great, the outcomes would be better, your children would do better if they have a good early childhood experience…therefore we are investing as never before in early childhood education because we want the little children to start out right so they will turn out bright. We need to do it right the first time,” he said.

The Education Minister was addressing a function in Troy on Friday (November 6) where the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) handed over four upgraded basic schools in South Trelawny to the communities.

In hailing the work done, he encouraged parents to play their part in ensuring that their children benefit from the various opportunities, which are being provided at the early childhood level.

“Education is the most important opportunity that any parent, any community, any Government can offer to this or any country and that is what we are celebrating here today,” he noted.

Member of Parliament for South Trelawny, Marisa Dalrymple Philibert, in her address, thanked Minister Thwaites and JSIF for ensuring that the schools have been delivered on time.

She said “the partnership between Minister Thwaites, JSIF and myself goes to show that education has no political colour. We have worked together as a team, which has resulted in the four schools being completed which will benefit the children of South Trelawny and Jamaica.”

The four early childhood institutions are Clarence Brimm in Troy; Dutch Hill in Albert Town; Ulster Spring; and the Raymoth Notice in Joe Hut.

The upgrading works were completed at a cost of $102 million under JSIF’s Community Investment Project (CIP).

The scope of works included the establishment of classrooms, play areas, rehabilitation of staff bathrooms and the construction and equipping of kitchens.