PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, August 21, Honorable Minster of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Silveria Jacobs attended the official opening the St. Maarten Early Childhood Development Association (SECDA) at the Rupert Maynard Community Center in St. Peters.
During the ceremony, teachers of various preschools were awarded certificates of completion for First-aid CPR and Hygiene courses with the teachers have been attending over the past few months. The courses were organized by SECDA and executed by the Care department of the St. Maarten Medical Center.
Minister Jacobs commended SECDA and its board director Sophia Farrel on providing teachers with the opportunity, stating that a proper foundation in the early years makes a difference in a child’s life throughout adulthood. Jacobs also applauded the assistance of the Youth department, who ensured that the Government of St Maarten provided SECA with the subsidy.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport hopes that these initiatives continue throughout our community of early development educators on St. Maarten as courses such as these ensure much more secure classrooms. It is the duty of parents, other caregivers and family members, communities and government to ensure that these rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. Together with this common goal in mind, we can ensure that even our youngest are properly nurtured and educated, promoting our children’s chances of achieving better learning outcomes while at school and greater chances of thriving.
