The job of parenting is challenging whether the child has a disability or not, says Minister of Youth, Family and Sports, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo.
"Regardless of what your children want to do in life, regardless of their disposition, it is a challenge for all of us as parents. Each child is different and has his or her own particular way. Every child has different requirements and so parenting is not easy," Dr. Byer Suckoo said.
She made the comments yesterday, while addressing the Children’s Development Centre’s Graduation Ceremony, under the theme: "Guidance is All They Need".
The Minister told the gathering that for children to achieve greatness they needed attention, love and guidance. "We cannot measure greatness in terms of the academic qualifications that you achieve, the size of the house in which you live, or the car which you drive…
"But, greatness is when we have accomplished that task that God has put for us. God has given every one of us a purpose and the challenge is to determine what that purpose is and then to achieve it. Once you have achieved your God-given purpose, you have achieved greatness," she stated.
Dr. Byer Suckoo told the parents that their children, like all others, needed guidance and she encouraged them to help the young ones dream.
The Minister also commended the staff of the Centre, stressing that their dedication to and love for the children were evident. She noted that even though the staffers were challenged, they continued to provide much needed guidance and described their work as "a labour of love".
The Centre was established in 1981 and over 3384 children have passed through its doors in the Day Care, Workshop or Education Units.