Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide to honor women’s achievements, dedication, and resilience. It is also a day to recognize the ongoing struggle for gender equity and women’s rights. This month, the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD) launched its campaign “Small Steps: A Happy Future” with a focus on “Women in ECCE” and rewarded six exceptional women from different sectors of ECCE for their commitment and dedication to the profession.
These women have dedicated 10 years or more of their lives to working with young children. The honorees include Ms. Una Chang-Time, a social worker with 38 years of experience; Ms. Judy Josias, a crèche teacher for 44 years; Ms. Sofia Beauchamp, a Child Health Nurse at the English River Health Centre for the past 10 years; Ms. Celine Laporte of Butterfly Daycare who has been working with children for 42 years; Ms. Flossy Vidot, a childminder who has dedicated 42 years to caring for children, and Ms. Winnifred Ferley, a Child Support Officer from the President’s Village, who has been with the care home for the past 12 years.
In recognition of their outstanding commitment to young children, each of these women received a token of appreciation at a small ceremony held at the IECD Headquarters in Espace Building, Ile du Port on March 10th. The Chief Executive Officer of IECD, Mrs. Shirley Choppy, the Vice Chairperson of the IECD Board, Mrs. Sonia Mancienne, and IECD management and staff were all present at the ceremony.
Although their journeys have not always been easy, these women have persevered in their careers through sheer commitment and patience. In addition to these six women, five others who have worked closely with the institute and have given their continued support to the cause were also recognized for their efforts. Ms. Marie-Claire Leon, Mrs. Elisca Zialor, Mrs. Marie-Helene Adrienne, Mrs. Renelle Anacoura, and the Vice Chairperson of the IECD Board, Mrs. Sonia Mancienne, each received a certificate of recognition and a thank-you token.
Furthermore, all the women working at the institute were also rewarded with a small token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. The afternoon ended with snacks, refreshments, light entertainment, and cheerful camaraderie among the guests as they shared stories and advice for a successful and fulfilling career in ECCE.
In conclusion, the IECD’s campaign “Small Steps: A Happy Future” celebrates the successes of women in ECCE and recognizes their dedication and contribution to this essential field. It is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the incredible work done by women in ECCE and encourage more women to pursue careers in this field.
