Education is the key to ending poverty.

This was highlighted by Bayly Trust Labasa manager Sat­ishwar Chand while opening the inaugural Early Childhood Educa­tion Week at the Valebasoga kin­dergarten.

Mr Chand said children were our future leaders and education was the only way to improve Fiji.

“It has a large effect on a country’s financial status and overall health of its citizens. Education is a key factor in the welfare of children,” he said.

“The best investment to ensure the future success of a child is to invest in the early years.

“Education is one of the most important investments a country can make for its people. One extra year of school education increases an individual’s learning by ten per cent.”

Students dressed up as different characters in a character parade performed items for parents and guests.

He urged students to make use of the assistance or grants provided by the Bainimarama Government.

“To all children you have more benefits compared with the past. During our time we had to walk a long distance, no bus fare scheme, get our own text books, pay school levies, yet all succeeded,” he said.

A parent, Saiasi Bola, said early childhood education teachers played a pivotal part in the develop­ment of the foundation of our na­tion because they formed that link which connected children from their home to school.

“The most important people in the early childhood education sector are our innocent children and their early years are very important,” he said.

“You can never ever create a great­er impression on a person than when they are in their early child­hood years.

“Early childhood education is about improving and moulding the holistic child, which will eventu­ally form the basis of their life long journey thus; this strong founda­tion will eventually lead to a strong society and nation,” he said.

A guardian, Saleshni Chand, said: “Education goes a long way and in­vesting in education is one of the most important ways with which we can improve our world.

“Early childhood education does not refer to kindergarten schools only, but it covers all forms of edu­cation from birth until the age of eight years.”

Edited by Epineri Vula

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