Kate stresses value of early-childhood education

Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, yesterday underscored the importance of early-childhood education, stating that it is a "strategic investment" in ensuring a "well-trained, professional workforce".

Kate, who arrived on the island with her husband, William, for a three-day royal visit, was speaking to educators as she toured Shortwood Teachers' College in Kingston.

"That is why I am so passionate about early childhood because we're doing something much more than building healthy children. We are nurturing the children and the adults that they will become, the families they'll build and the communities they'll be part of," the duchess told staff and student-teachers.

"You, as teachers, are at the frontline of this vital work and play a crucial work in shaping our societies by positively impacting futures of literally thousands of young people, over the course of your careers," she added.

The duchess commended the institution's leaders for its contributions to the education sector in its more than 100-year history.

"This morning, we had the pleasure of chatting to some of you who are studying here at Shortwood's early-education programme. It is so wonderful to hear your ideas and enthusiasm for teaching and the gift you have to influence the lives of young people," she said.

During their visit to the school, Kate and William not only interacted with student-teachers and lecturers but they also spent time with some three-year-old students at the Shortwood Practising Infant School.

As what could be considered a special treat, Prince William made the day of Natalia Young, who was also celebrating her birthday. Though shy in the face of royalty, the toddler, who donned a crown, did not hesitate to indicate her age, using her fingers.

First-year student of English Language and Literacy, Leonie Martin, told T HE STAR that it was an awesome experience being in the presence of the royal couple She said that the duchess' remarks about the importance of early-childhood education was spot on.

"I agree wid her, I think education is really important, it's the root where every career springs from."

Dr Claudette Barrett-March, the college's acting principal, said the duke and duchess have expressed an interest in working with the school's early-childhood education programme.

"The major part of it was to talk about work we do here at Shortwood Teachers' College," she said, noting that the duchess has been actively involved in assisting early-childhood institutions across the world.