BES(t)4kids dedicated the week of the 16th of October to all pedagogical workers on Sint Eustatius.
The program wants to offer all children in the Caribbean Netherlands safe and affordable childcare of a high quality standard. However this is not possible without the dedication of all those who work with the children attending daycare and out-of-school programs.
There was a variation of activities. On the 18th of October BES(t) 4 kids organized a workshop (shown in photo) for all pedagogical workers about the importance of learning through play for the overall development of children. Children learn most and develop best in a playful way. Research from around the world comes to that conclusion. The High Scope preschool education program is one of the tools to guide children in this development.
The introduction of the workshop was given by Monica Smith, the Island Pedagogue. The workshop was facilitated by Linda Blankhorst, the director of ‘Op Stoom’, a childcare organization and twinning partner from the Netherlands. Pedagogical employees of ‘Op Stoom’ worked along with the local workers in all the centers.
On the 20th of October there was a Childcare Appreciation Ball, organized by the childcare organizations’ directors and BES(t)4kids as appreciation for the pedagogical workers. It was well attended. After a welcome by Angela Dekker, Project Leader BES(t)kids, and a speech by commissioner Mr. G. Schmidt, the evening was to relax, enjoy dinner, listen to music, play games and dance.
