Linden Childcare Providers graduate from competency training
— urged establish their own day care centres, further their studies
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, August 1, 2019
Thirty-nine childcare providers in Linden, are now certified after graduating from the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT), Early Childhood Development programme.
The Ministry of Social Protection along with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and other relevant agencies have embarked on a national training exercise, for all caregivers who did not undergo formal training. Thus far for this year, training has been completed in Regions 4, 6, and 10.
During the training exercise, the childcare providers have studied modules which covered, early childhood development, preparing an appropriate environment, learning through play, basic nutrition and young child feeding, health and safety, how to be a professional amongst other things.
Chief Executive Officer (ag) of BIT, Richard Maughn, urged the graduates to use their certification as a steppingstone to further academic achievement at the University of Guyana. “Having been deemed competent, there is still so much out there to learn and there are still avenues in which you can go and learn, the certificate that you have received will allow you to pursue further studies their education at the University of Guyana, I’m encouraging you to do so; you can develop yourself further,” he said.
With the nation on the cusp for great things, Maughn said Guyanese need to position themselves to benefit from the large window of opportunities that will shortly unfold.
Addressing the graduates, Mayor of Linden, Her Worship, Waneka Arrindell encouraged them to utilise the resources made available by the government and become entrepreneurs in early childcare services. “You need to come on board, apply for those grants that are being given out. These are funds that are available through the government,” she said, adding that application can also be done in groups.
Senior Child Protection Officer, Huette Moore reminded the graduates that they are establishing a solid foundation for the children in their care. “At the end of the day, we want to ensure that our children, from a young age, have a positive interaction with their caregivers, that will positively benefit them. That way we are raising raise a generation of children who will contribute positively to our nation. Love them, support them, socialise with them interact with them. help to protect them better,” she said.
The graduates were told to keep a keen eye out for ill-treated children as they have a duty to report same. “Every child should be safe; if you recognise that a vulnerable child is attending your centre, you a responsibility to report, to investigate and to help where necessary,” said Moore.
The next training exercise will be held in Regions 5 and 3.