As part of Child Stimulation Month, the 2nd Annual Early Childhood Educators’ Award Ceremony was held under the theme “Early Childhood Education – a must for young children.” And, there is no doubt that teachers have placed a lot of energy, time and patience in making sure that the young students receive a good education. Their service often goes unrewarded but since last year things have changed.
On Thursday, March 22nd, at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts in Belize City, 19 teachers from across the country were honored for their significant contributions and years of dedicated service in this essential area.
This is the second year that the award ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Education and the Early Childhood Education Development Center, took place. Margaret Williams, Education Officer, stated, “The honorees were selected based on their long service and their individual contributions to Early Childhood and Development in Belize.” Williams further adds that some of the honorees are still active in the classroom while others are retired.
But what makes this ceremony even more special is that a teacher of San Pedro, Wil Alamilla Jr. was recognized and was a recipient of this prominent award. At the Bliss Center, Wil along with the seventeen other teachers chosen, were present to receive recognition and a plaque for their unfailing commitment and continued support for early childhood education and development in Belize.
The Sun caught up with the “man of the hour” and asked what he was feeling when he heard of such accomplishment. “I feel good and proud to note that I am significantly making a positive change in the lives of so many children. I have been teaching for 17 years. I started the pre-school with only 17 enrolled at that time, presently; we have 96 children enrolled in our school.” Wil has always been involved in leadership and volunteerism within the school and the community as well. It is hoped that this gesture will motivate other teachers to do the same; continuing in the path of excellence in education and development.
Future plans for the ABC pre-school are to incorporate the nine learning centers in the school so as to have a better understanding and interaction in each area. It is a goal for Wil to implement a multifaceted and integrated curriculum at the ABC pre-school.
All 19 teachers were honored for having a passion for teaching toddlers and great skill in making children and parents feel welcome and cared for in what is often their first school experience. Congrats to its organizers and all recipients who have earned recognition and for providing a safe and healthy environment to develop a child’s physical and intellectual capabilities. “Early Childhood Education – A must for Young Children”.
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