‘Best Child Development Centre’ awarded to Aitken Spence Plantations – Gulugahakanda Estate

Gulugahakanda Estate, managed by Aitken Spence Plantation Managements Ltd., won the title of ‘All Island Best Child Development Centre’ for ‘Outstanding Achievements in Quality Services in Child Development Centres’ for the year 2010.

The competition was organised by the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) and the finals were held at the Gulugahakanda estate on 19 March 2011. 

The annual competition attracted 437 participants from all parts of the country this year.

When choosing the winner for the title of ‘Outstanding Achievements in Quality Services in Child Development Centres,’  the  decision of the PHDT was based on areas such as the activities children were involved in, pre-school education the children received and the quality of child development centre records maintained.

At present the Child Development Centre at Gulugahakanda Estate has 27 children below the age of five under their care. All activities done at the crèche are in line with the National Early Childhood Development Guidelines and are frequently monitored by PHDT.

“The management of Gulugahakanda Estate encourages estate worker’s children to attend the Child Development Centre. The estate workers themselves have a very high sense of confidence in the Gulugahakanda Estate Management and its Child Development Officer. We have been monitoring their child care activities in which they maintain very high standards. They are winners of this category because of their sheer commitment towards community development,” said Lal Perera, Regional Director of PHDT.

When questioned about future plans for the Child Development Centres, it was mentioned that Elpitiya Estates would continue to train and develop the Child Development Officers in charge of the centres. It also hopes to open up a preschool for village children in the near future.