PARTICIPANTS in an early childhood learning course received their certificates last Thursday at Hagogohe, Buka. The 137 graduates of the two-week course were trained by Agnes Lawrence in this vital new development initiative for Bougainville. The certificate presentation was attended by course sponsors the influential God’s kingdom network, Community Development Minister Melchior Dare and Hagogohe Member Peter Sohia. The member told the participants their training was very important for the future of Bougainville. “The ministers talk about early childhood learning,” he said. “They all sing this song, but there is no policy on early childhood.” He illustrated the value of early childhood learning by telling of his daughter in elementary school who is unable to read and write. “But my bubu in early childhood learning already speaks English and can read and write,” he said. “My child in elementary cannot do any of these things.” He said this is compelling evidence of early learning’s value to future generations. “The people of Bougainville must decide on this,” he said. Referring to the God’s kingdom network, the member said “anything the church touches will automatically change attitudes. I am happy the church has taken this on.” He said President John Momis was a man of vision and had big dreams for Bougainville. He said the President believes the people must be “highly educated, highly intellectual and highly spiritual”. The member told the course participants that they have to implement the President’s dreams. “We are developing a nation from early childhood, from the ground up. We are here because we believe we can change the course of Bougainville,” said Pastor Sammy from the God’s kingdom network. Program leader Ms Lawrence said Bougainville needs to raise resilient children and therefore education must begin earlier than at the elementary level. “We have ignored this age group. By the time the child is six it is too late. Early childhood learning is a long-term solution for Bougainville.” she said. She told the course members that the new Bougainville people are talking about is up to you. “We must make it happen; it is in your hands.”
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 04:40:38 +0000
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