Last Updated on June 29, 2024, 3:01 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Basseterre, St. Kitts: The Early Childhood Development Unit (EDCU) concluded the 39th edition of the Child Month with a grand parade through the streets of Basseterre. The parade was held on Friday, June 28, 2024.
The Grand Parade started at 8:30 a.m. and commenced from Greenlands Park and ended at the Independence Square. The colour theme chosen for this year was ‘white.’
The celebration included a vibrant display of colours, costumes, and creativity as children from various schools expressed this year’s theme ‘Embrace Inclusion: Every Child Counts.’
Child Month 39, the month-long celebration was dedicated to honouring and uplifting children. Kimona Browne, Director of the Early Childhood Development Unit, extended appreciation for the success of the Child Month.
Director Browne also expressed joy and gratitude to the entire Ministry of Education, especially to the Early Childhood Development Unit Staff. She also added that she would like to say a huge thanks to the public and private supervisors, the hard-working and dedicated staff, all the Early Childhood Centres, all the parents, the general public, and to the little children.
The Grand Parade featured citizens and children marching their way with drums and music. People held slogans saying, “We’re all different. But there’s something kind of fantastic about that, isn’t there?” and “I am Unique. I embrace my differences and let them shine.”
Posters raised awareness about different concerns and problems such as issues in developing motor skills, or visual delay and hearing. Each zone displayed one concern and put positive posters to normalize the issues.
East Zone represented Down Syndrome Awareness. West Zone highlighted Physicality Disability Awareness with the tagline “Choose to Include.” Basseterre Zone raised awareness about Autism saying “Embrace, Celebrate, Accept, Include.”
With the conclusion of the Child Month 39, it is evident that there was a celebration of children, of inclusion, affirming the value of every child’s unique contribution and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
