Described as one of the most eagerly-anticipated events of the Child Month activities, the march will take place in Basseterre, commencing at Greenlands and working its way through the streets of the city.
Coordinator at the ECDU, Mrs. Jacqueline Morris, told this publication that as far as participation of the various day-care centres and pre-schools across the island is concerned, there is normally a 95 to 100 percent level of participation in the march and this year, nothing less is expected.
She also expressed her expectation with regard to father-participation in the parade and their role in promoting this year’s theme “Strong Families + Strong Communities + Strong Programmes = Well Rounded Children”.
“With regards to fathers’ participation, we have been saying to the centres, ensure that the fathers take part. Not because the theme is not speaking directly to fathers, they are included because the theme speaks to strong families and of course, fathers are part of that. So we grafted them into the process last year and we are hoping now that fathers would take the initiative and be a part of the march.
One of the main aims of the parade, according to Coordinator Morris is to assist the public in better understanding the importance of having strong families, programmes and communities if well-rounded, productive members of society are to be the result. She said this understanding would encourage public support for early childhood initiatives.
“We do believe that the theme speaks to the way forward in terms of building a stronger and a better nation and in securing a brighter tomorrow for our children and for generations to come. We believe that the theme will have some impact because many share the same sentiments expressed in the theme; parents, supporters, originations.
“We believe that there are persons out there that would grasp the real implication of the theme. We are hoping that as a result of this effort on the part of the early childhood sector to promote the idea that Strong Families, Strong Communities, Strong programmes = well rounded children, will generate support from persons out there who have the same sentiment. So we are hoping that coming out of this, we will see more support for programme and activities.”
She expressed her expectation that the parade – would draw about 4000 including parents and teachers. It is expected to culminate at the Independence Square.