March was observed as child stimulation month under the theme: "Early childhood education: your choice, their chances." It began with a parade on March 1st and concluded today with a rally for pre-school students at the City Center this morning. 7NEWS was there.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Their numbers were in the thousands, at least two thousand pre-school students from 45 schools across the Belize District filled the City Center this morning. You name a pre-school and chances are they were. Different schools but they partied as one with everyone's favorite clown, Ozzie. There was music which came courtesy the Grace Primary School Steel Band and the drama was from the Excelsior Junior High students. But even with all the entertainment, Margaret Robinson from the Ministry of Education says these pre-schoolers were partying with a purpose.
Margaret Robinson,
"The month of March is the time when we create awareness, parents and even the public becoming more aware of the importance of sending the children to the pre-schools where they can get a head start with their education, preparing them for their life long learning.
It is very important that the children a very early start. If we take them at two years and 9 months and then they go on until they are four plus because that is the time when we can give them the skills that they will need when they go into the primary schools. They are some things we do at pre-schools that prepares them for the infant classes and for life long learning on a whole."
It's a message not lost on these parents many who left work to accompany their children to the rally. Jolene lamb has a set of triplets and all three are in pre-school. It's costly, but Jolene says she wouldn't have it any other way.
Jolene Lamb, Parent
"My triplets are in pre-school. I sent them to pre-school because its something very interesting and it's a good start for them to learn how to behave in school and what to do in school."
Cassandra Lino, Mother
"It gives them a good start before they go to primary school."
Dorene Baltazar, Parent
"I'm here to support my child at the children's school rally."
Keith Swift,
Why send her to pre-school?
Dorene Baltazar,
"Because when she goes into primary school I want her to have the basic so it doesn't keep her back, she has that background."
Pre-school rallies will be held in the districts tomorrow.
