Vinsave sparkles after US$151,501 facelift

It was more than a fresh coat of paint that made the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Save the Children Fund, (VINSAVE) sparkle with a new look.

The institution benefited from a generous donation of US$151,501 from the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grass-root Human Security Project, which funded the construction of an auditorium and allowed the refurbishment of the residential dormitory for teachers. {{more}}

Sally Ann, Lady Ballantyne wife of the Governor-General Sir Frederick cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the facility on Thursday, June 23.

Director of VINSAVE, Janice Fraser who spoke at the ceremony stressed the importance of focusing on children. She described Early Childhood as a dynamic field in which the youth must be prepared to take care of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Japanese Ambassador Shigenobu Kato expressed hope that the new environment would encourage those who use it to learn, so that they could in turn teach the children. He said when this occurs, better citizens and leaders would come out of the society.

The Ambassador once again demonstrated his generosity by presenting a grant of US$27,059 to the St.Benedict’s Day Nursery and Infant Hospital toward the purchase a vehicle. Sister Nira of the Day Nursery signed on behalf of the Nursery.

VINSAVE, first known as the Canadian Save the Children Fund or CANSAVE before the change to the present, has been in operation for 40 years. Today it continues its goal of improving the quality of life for the poor and aiding the development of children.

Lilly McDowall of the Early Childhood Curriculum Unit noted that those in early childcare must continue to be the voice of those who are not yet capable of articulating their needs and rights. She called on childcare professionals and the community to protect and invest wisely in the future of children.