Published 10 April 2025
Buckie Got It
St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
ECDU CONCLUDES AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS PROJECT – PHASE THREE.
Basseterre, St. Kitts, Thursday, April 10, 2025: The Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU) successfully concluded phase three of its Autism and Developmental Delays Project on Wednesday, April 09, under the theme ‘Our Children Our Priority – Fostering Equitable Quality Education’.
The project, sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was designed to equip educators with skills to assistchildren with autism and developmental delays.
Ms. Kimona Browne, Director, Early Childhood Development Unit, explained the gravity of the workshop.
“The project spanned the entire month of March, with educatorsattending sessions twice weekly. These sessions were not only informative but also interactive and practical, allowing participants to engage deeply with the material. In addition to addressing speech and motor delays, we placed significant emphasis on social-emotional support for children, fostering their overall well-being and development.”
Mr Francil Morris, Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education, urged participants to implement strategies effectively at their centres.
“As you return to your spaces, I encourage you to use what you have learnt because the true value of knowledge lies in its application. Our youngest learners will undoubtedly benefit from the insights and strategies you have gained during the training sessions.”
Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of Education, recognized the invaluable support of the numerous stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to UNICEF for its steadfast support in making this project a reality. Your partnership has been invaluable in transforming our early childhood education landscape. Allow me to express a sincere thank you to Director Kimona Browne and her entire team. To our preschool proprietors, supervisors, and educators, you are the backbone of this initiative. Your commitment to embracing new strategies and creating nurturing spaces for all children is truly commendable. It is through your efforts that we see real change taking place in our classrooms and communities.”
Ms. Alechia Herbert shared insights from the workshop.
“These workshops were informative and interactive. Bothsupervisors and proprietors were able to come in groups, share their skills, their ideas, and the measures that they use within the classroom as we work with children with special needs. The workshops were also impactful. We were able to gain new information. I will take all that I have learnt to the Dieppe BayDaycare Centre, and I hope that we can work together to improve the lives of all the children who may have developmental delays or special needs.”
The successful completion of the Autism and Development Delays Project (phase three) marks another milestone in the ECDU’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all children, regardless of their developmental status.
