Voices Magazine-Vol2-Issue-1-WEB

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | April 2018 20 Referring to having the day care centre named in her honour, Mrs. Shako, noted that though it was not her decision, “I was pleased that I had accomplished my objective to help students to finish and improve their potential and their own abilities.” Mrs. Shako ended the interview with her advice to young mothers who have to balance the demands of work and study. “Try not to get pregnant, you have no idea how hard it is – wait until you are finished, but do not leave it for too long,” she said with a smile. Following the interview, Mrs. Shako visited the current Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Day Care Centre located north of the campus. The current location was constructed as part of the UTech, Jamaica Enhancement Project in 2012. The facility is registered by the Early Childhood Commission and provides childcare services for children of staff and students, aged 3 months to 3 years old, an aftercare programme for children up to 8years old, as well as an annual summer programme. The Daycare’s educational programme is guided by the Jamaican Early Childhood Curriculum stipulated by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. The Daycare opens Mondays to Fridays from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Day care Supervisor, Ms Melisa Porter shows Mrs. Shako the Certificate of Registration from Early Childhood Commission and other awards and certification mounted at the Daycare Centre. Mrs. Cynthia Shako (centre) poses with current staff of the Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Day Care Centre during her visit to the campus on May 22, 2018. From left are Ms. Melisa Porter, Supervisor, Ms. Michelle Silvera, Assistant Supervisor, Mrs. Patricia Denton- Hinds, Cook, Shelia Fender- Harrison, Care Giver, Ms. Sanya Kelly, Caregiver, and Ms. Shonniel Hayden, Teacher. Cont’d from page 19 ... A Conversation with UTech, Jamaica Pioneer – Cynthia Shako