NASSAU, The Bahamas – Pre-School Week is being celebrated this week throughout the country. The Hon. Jeffrey Lloyd, Minister of Education (MOE), officially opened the 17th annual event during a ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters, University Drive on Monday, April 19.

Fifty government pre-schools from nine districts are participating in the activities organized by the Early Childhood Education Section of the Department of Education. The theme for the celebration is “Preschool: Embracing the New Norm”.

Events include: a worship service, virtual parents evening, literacy day (story time with Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis) a virtual show and teacher’s day (scavenger hunt and pep-rally).

Minister Lloyd said there is nothing, or no known initiative, to him and the MOE that is more important than the pre-school initiative.

“What investment we make in these children in the earliest years show positive results in the more senior years,” he said.

He commended preschoolers for their resilience and adaptability to wearing masks without much difficulty, keeping them on and responding to the curveballs of life.

Minister Lloyd also commented on the work, effort and commitment of the team of officers in the preschool unit. He applauded their efforts and said they are doing a phenomenal work in the early stages of the educational experience.

Leja Burrows, Assistant Director of Education, Early Childhood Education Section, said the week will feature different and exciting virtual and face-to-face events.

“Through the use of technology, innovation and determination, this year we have truly planned a national event overcoming the negative impact of the destructive global virus and seeking to continue to strive within a global pandemic,” she said.

At the livestreamed ceremony, some of the preschoolers affirmed Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” A poem by Centreville’s preschoolers confirmed that they are stronger than COVID because they wear their masks, wash their hands, and wear a smile and not a frown.