Preschool Parade Launches Child Stimulation Month

Belize City came alive this morning as thousands of preschoolers marched through the streets to launch Child Stimulation Month 2026. Kids swapped backpacks for doctor coats, chef hats, and police badges, celebrating this year’s theme: ‘Start Strong.’ Organized by the Ministry of Education, the parade put early childhood education in the spotlight, with parents and teachers cheering on the little ones. We spoke with YWCA Preschool’s head teacher, Lisa Bradley‑Clare, and an excited parent about the meaning behind today’s energetic kickoff.

 

Lisa Bradley-Clare, Head Teacher, YWCA Preschool

“We find it important because we want to highlight and reinforce the importance of early childhood education for students and also to showcase what we do, what the child, the curriculum is all about. Based on the play-based method all the different activities that will be held during this month to promote early childhood education.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And is there a theme that this school is going with? I know some schools have chosen specific career outfits for their students. What are you guys doing?”

 

Lisa Bradley-Clare

“This year we are security forces and the theme for this year’s child stimulation is early childhood education: start strong.”

 

Britney Gordon

“How many students are here today from your school?”

 

Lisa Bradley-Clare

“Roughly about seventy. We have one thirty-six students.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So we know a big part of this period is always, getting them in their outfits for future career paths. How do you get kids involved in the conversation of thinking of what they want to be when they grow up?”

 

Lisa Bradley-Clare

“During the class sessions, teachers would discuss with the children, give them ideas, and then but basically the parents choose what they wear today.”

 

Lorna Garnett, Parent

“We’re all excited.  I’m excited. I’m mostly excited because I’m a girl their mom for the first time because I have two boys, and, I think it’s exciting or to get them excited so they can learn more about different workers in the field so they can learn more about what they can be when they get older.”

 

 

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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