GILO Early Childhood Education (ECE) centre Tuesday witnessed the graduation of its first 19 students who have completed their studies this year.
The centre is situated near Barande in North East Guadalcanal and operates under Gilo Primary School.
Gilo primary was established more than two years ago. It was operated under Guadalcanal Provincial Education Authority.
And this year was the first time for the school to introduce ECE through the support of Gilo community and Gilo primary school staff.
Head teacher at Gilo Primary Lucy Kaua at the ceremony yesterday said out of 76 students that enrolled at the beginning of this year only 19 were able to graduate and will move on to grade 1 next year.
“The remaining ones will repeat their ECE program in 2015,” Ms Kaua said.
The students were excited when receiving their certificates.
She said having an ECE in the community was a dream come true and an achievement for the community to ensure young children are able to have education at an early age.
Lack of funding and support from their provincial and national leaders have resulted in the delay to introduce ECE, she explained.
He said the establishment of the ECE centre comes through the support from parents and the community who organised their own fundraising drive.
The centre was unable to receive any grant or funding assistance from the government because the centre is yet to be registered.
However plans are underway to register the centre.
“Next year the school committee and community will try to register the ECE under the Guadalcanal province education authority to ensure the school can able to get grants.
“This year our plans is to build three ECE classroom and a proper play ground before registering it.”
The centre was fortunate to have two qualified teachers working for them.
The ceremony yesterday was described as a history for the community and many people turned up to witness the occasion.
The students were also excited to celebrate the close of their academic year.
By DENVER NEWTER
