Celebrating our children, families and childcare workers
August 31 was a day of transition for children and families involved in Kiwassa’s childcare centres. Each of our centres did something special to recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments and successes of these children who—though they may not be returning every day—will always be a part of the Kiwassa family.
Educators celebrated graduates and their families through picnics, personalized videos, memory books, photos and formal ceremonies. It was a great day for all of us to come together in a slightly different way than we usually do at this time of year and to celebrate the amazing little humans we have had the absolute honour of interacting with every day.
Parents and educators enjoyed reminiscing about the progress the children have made—how they entered the centres so long ago with apprehension and uncertainty, and can now use all that they have learned to boldly face the next chapter of their lives. For the younger children, it means moving to a new program or heading off to Kindergarten. For some of the school-aged children, it means now being able to walk home after school alone and start to be a bit more independent.
In the midst of all the uncertainty that has been in our lives lately, of one thing we are certain: These graduates can handle anything that comes their way! Oh, and that it takes a village—and we’re all so lucky to be together in the Kiwassa village 🙂
To our graduates, we quote A.A. Milne’s, Winnie-the-Pooh:
“Promise me you’ll remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
To the families of our grads, we borrow the words of Brooke Hampton:
“Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they’ll become.”
To our educators, we say that we recognize that it takes a big heart to shape a little mind, and we sincerely thank each and every one of them for sharing their big hearts so generously and joyfully.
Mary Battle
CPHR | Childcare Director
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