Date: April 4, 2005
Contact: Sandra Brunet
Phone: 340-774-2991
ACTING GOVERNOR RICHARDS PROCLAIMS APRIL 3RD TO 9TH AS “WEEK OF
THE YOUNG CHILD”
Acting Governor Vargrave Richards joins the National Association for
the Education of Young Children, the Virgin Islands Department of Education,
as well as the Virgin Islands Early Childhood Association in celebrating
this week, April 3 to the 9th, 2005, as “THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG
CHILD.”
Acting Governor Richards stated that: “By way of Proclamation,
this week is officially recognized as the ‘Week of the Young Child
in the Territory,’ and in joining with the NAEYC, we acknowledge
that ‘Children’s Opportunities are Our Responsibilities.”
Further, “we recognize that we must do much more to ensure the
safety and healthy survival of our youth, and that each year too many
of our young people suffer from molestation, abuse, violence and other
unhealthy acts. And regardless of their background, our youth deserve
the opportunity to be loved and nurtured by all,” Acting Governor
Richards continued.
In commemoration of this week, Kidscope, Inc., in conjunction with
the Office of the Acting Governor is sponsoring their 4th annual Inter-Faith
Service of Healing and Hope for Children and Families throughout the
Territory. The service takes place on St. Thomas at Frederick Evangelical
Lutheran Church at 6:00 p.m. tonight, with a “gathering”
at Emancipation Garden at 5:30 p.m., led by Dilsa Capdeville, Director
of Kidscope, Inc.
Acting Governor Richards also takes this opportunity to extend his
appreciation and gratitude to all teachers, child care workers, social
workers and all staff throughout the various public and private sector
agencies for their diligent efforts on behalf of the children of the
Territory.
In concluding, Acting Governor Richards encourages everyone to recognize
as the NAEYC states: “That children’s opportunities are
our responsibilities, and that we should recommit ourselves to ensuring
that each and every child experiences the type of early environment—at
home, at child care, at school, and in the community--that will promote
their early learning.”
