First-ever Children and Caregivers conference to be held next week

Psychotherapist Dr. Hazel DaBreo and an Early Childhood Education officer are among professionals who will speak to participants at the first ever two-day conference, which will focus on “Children and Caregivers: The Importance of their Relationships”.

A project of the USA-based charity, Reachwithin, it takes place on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, 2014 at the St. George’s University. Organised in collaboration with the St. George’s University (SGU) and the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF), the conference will, for the first time in Grenada, bring together a unique group of child development experts from both the US and Grenada.

Dr. Karen Lawson, founder of Reachwithin, is keen for all involved in the education, nurturing, protection and personal development of children in Grenada, and across the Caribbean, to attend the conference, in particular home and day-care staff, roving caregivers, CPA workers, police officers, students and parents.

“I have a special love for Grenada and its children, especially vulnerable children and those raised in the care system,” said Dr. Lawson. “That is why I chose to base Reachwithin here and to launch a conference, the first of its kind, on this beautiful island.

“Reachwithin would like to thank local businesses that have, thus far, helped to turn what was a dream into a reality,” continued Dr. Lawson. “Their very kind donations have allowed up to 25 Grenadian care home workers, who could not afford the fee, to attend the conference. Their contributions also went towards  providing supporting documents and luncheons for the delegates.”

Dr. Richard Honigman, Chair, Reachwithin Advisory Board, added: “Children are our future and it’s important that we raise them with self-esteem, self-respect, dignity and pride. This conference will focus on the importance of early adaptive relationships and interactions that mutually support both the child and caregiver. Our aim is to help caregivers set the stage for their child’s ongoing growth to ensure that the nurturing is culturally respectful, so that the child may develop positive and healthy relationships with those whom they interact with in later life.” (LS)