MINISTER within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, emphasized the significance of being entrusted with the care of a child as he delivered remarks to the first batch of students to graduate from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Certificate in Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme during their graduation ceremony at the Conference Room of the National Library on Wednesday.

The nine-week programme was administered by BIT in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP), Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and UNICEF, and saw some 30 students who were existing childcare practitioners, making up the first class. Classes were conducted at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre from April 03, 2019 to May 31, 2019.

“The level of care and vision exercised by those responsible for the potential care and safety of those little children require the highest standard, hence the need for CPA to make the decision to ensure that we train people so that when they go to work, they are qualified experts in their field,” Scott said

“Children have rights and our job is to make sure they are comfortable and safe. As caregivers, you have to understand that you are above the ordinary worker; that child sees you as their second mother.”

It is hoped that as the programme progresses that all childcare practitioners across the country can become certified.

UNICEF Communications Associate, Frank Robinson, who, like Minister Scott, also impressed upon the childcare practitioners the importance of their job. “Every year of a child’s life is precious, but when it comes to development, the first three are the most important. What children learn during these crucial years will influence them for the rest of their lives. Quality experiences and interventions in early childhood are, therefore, critical for a child’s successful growth and development,” he said

“UNICEF is, therefore, pleased to be part of the government’s programme to enhance the knowledge and competencies of ECD practitioners. As ECD practitioners, it is your responsibility to ensure that you, together with parents, provide the best environment to shape the early learning experiences for every child’s development in the lifelong learning process.”

BIT HR Manager, Kathy Smith, expressed satisfaction with the participation of the programme, “For quite some time, organizations, institutions and Guyana at large has been asking for this programme, more so at an affordable cost and we’re so happy that this collaborative effort made that possible. Those persons who have been working in daycare facilities, even persons operating out of their homes, once they’re taking care of three children and above, they need to be part of the programme. We were just happy to have these women make themselves available,” she commented

“Like CPA, the BIT is pleased to see successful completion of the programme. The collaborative effort with UNICEF is just the beginning of [a] new road for childcare practices in Guyana. We hope that the information would be used to better yourself in this field and, most of all, bring comfort and compassion to the children you are entrusted with.
She encouraged the graduates to continue their pursuit of higher education, and not to simply settle with the certificate.

“Keep pushing, there are many persons who did similar programmes with BIT and are currently at UG pursuing higher degrees and diplomas; so don’t stop here, keep pushing, keep pushing, this is just the beginning of your future,” Smith said.

As the CPA continues to step up its oversight of daycares and early childcare centres across Guyana, the programme was initiated as a means of certifying caregivers’ facilities.