Assistance sought from government and corporate Bahamas

BY VANESSA C ROLLE

GUARDIAN STAFF REPORTER

Having set and maintained impeccable standards of excellence in providing quality education to the nation, the Bahamas Conference of Seventh Day Adventists seeks assistance from the Government and corporate Bahamas in its quest to erect a new state-of-the art Early Learning Centre,.

On Sunday, at the ground breaking ceremony of The Early Learning Centre of Bahamas Academy of S.D.A, located on Old Trail Road, just rear of the Living Faith SDA church, Conference President Keith D. Albury acknowledged the Government's support and partnership in this endeavour.

Plans for the project has already been approved by the Ministry of Public Works, and the first phase of the building program will begin after the dedication of the Living Faith Church on November 3.

Pastor Albury made an appeal to all members, tasks groups and alumni of Bahamas Academy, the government, administration, teachers and students to give 100 per cent support.

He thanked Pastor H.A. Roach for having the insight to purchase the property during his tenure as pastor of Living Faith SDA church, and for the present membership of Living Faith Church, lead by Pastor T. Basil Sturrup for their consent to the proposal to locate the ELC on the property.

He said with the scarcity of properties available for development in New Providence, the Conference has to utilize that which fall within their ambit.

"After all, we are not in the speculation business. What we have in terms of the physical assets should be used for one purpose and that is the finishing of the work that the Lord has given us to do," he said.

" You see our church has a strong tradition and solid track record in providing quality education over many decades. We consider ourselves key partners with government in the education of our nation's children. We are also calling upon the business community of New Providence to partner with us in this worthy venture," Pastor Albury said.

He said it is his belief that with this level of support, the church can finish this endeavor within a reasonable period of time."

"We are on the move now and invite you as we seek to train your children not only to meet the challenges of this world but also to get ready to be apart of God's brand new world," he said.

Parliamentary Secretary of Education Veronica Owens who represented Minster of Education Alfred Sears, during her keynote address, , was who expressed her delight in sharing this milestone with Adventists having been the proprietor of an Early Learning Childhood Center in Sacramento California, named "Friends".

Speaking very passionately, Ms. Owens said that learning institutions need to recognize how unique each child is, and to be sensitive to their social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs.

Research also indicates, she said, that ELCs should harness a warm and fun loving atmosphere indicative and support the theme that learning is fun.

" We therefore encourage the development of appropriate programs that focus on the process of learning and helping children to enjoy successful experiences. Our children must be encouraged to learn and to love learning," she said.

She said that classrooms should be arranged to offer challenging play and learning choices at a range of developmental level, which would result in the success of students in their school and social lives.

Ms. Owens added that the strength of such programs also depend on the dedication of educational providers or teaching staff.

"Teachers, especially in an early learning program should get good support with training, resources, and freedom to create a unique learning experience for children. They should understand the importance of creating a caring a nurturing atmosphere and fostering each child's creativity and positive self-image," she said.

She further advocated that in the midst of this learning process, children also need discipline, and it is important to create positive methods of discipline.

"Establish consistent, age-appropriate limits to help children function in their world. They should be encouraged to develop a sense of independence and responsibility, and there should be the strengthening of each child's own identity, while instilling a respect for others who might be different," she said.

Ms. Owens said that the center should also strive to create mutual respect between parents and teachers by encouraging daily communication between them.

"Your doors should be open to parents at all times. Since the Seventh Day Adventist Bahamas Conference has been such a strong link in education in The Bahamas, we at the Ministry of Education and The Bahamas at large have no doubt that your Early Learning Center will conform to the standard already set. The Bahamas will reap the dividend," she said.