Kate looks forward to future collaborations

In continuing her decade-long journey advocating for young children, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, while making an address at the Shortwood Teachers’ College today (March 23), lauded the passion, commitment and enthusiasm on display at the institution.

Before taking their leave – on Day 2 of the Jamaica leg of their Caribbean tour – from the 137-year-old college, the Duke and Duchess visited the Majorie Myers Hall, where Catherine made a brief address on the matter of early childhood.

The Duchess, who in June 2021 launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, during the tour of the institution made a stop at the Shortwood Practising Primary and Infant School, where both she and husband, Prince William, interacted with the students.

The Duchess, who has a decade of experience in early childhood, expressed the sense of passion she felt on the subject, noting that fundamental connections are what shape and connect future lives.

“That is why I am so passionate about early childhood. Because we’re doing something much more than building healthy children. We are nurturing the children and adults that they become, the families that they’ll build and the communities they’ll be a part of.”

She added that strategic investment, as well as a well-trained professional workforce, are critical in the upbringing of a child.

Championing teachers, the Duchess stressed how integral they are in this process.

“You as teachers are the front line of this part of the work and play a crucial role in shaping our societies by positively impacting the futures of literally thousands of young people over the course of your careers,” she said.

The mother-of-three added that, with the work and research garnered throughout the years, potential looms for one of the biggest opportunities for positive change.

“By realising the extraordinary impact of early childhood and by learning more about how children learn, think and behave, I truly believe we’re on the cusp on one of the biggest opportunities of positive change in generations,” she said.

She went on to laud the institution on its zeal, noting her high hopes for joint achievements.

“And when I see the passion, commitment and enthusiasm on display here at Shortwood, I feel optimistic about what we could achieve together.”