Fay Corothers (left), a friend and colleague of 35 years to Mrs. Joyce Jarrett, presents her with a citation at the Dudley Grant Memorial Trust appreciation ceremony for Mrs. Jarrett at the Mona Visitors' Lodge at the University of the West Indies on Wednesday, September 19. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

One of Jamaica's pioneers in early-childhood development and education was honoured for her years of service, which span about five decades, in the field.

The Dudley Grant Memorial Trust hosted an appreciation ceremony for Joyce E. Jarrett last Wednesday at the Mona Visitors' Lodge at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in St. Andrew.

Director of the Rural Family Support Organisation, Mrs. Jarrett has forged and assisted with the formation of several initiatives geared towards early-childhood development such as the Project for Early Childhood Education, the Teenage Mothers' Project, the Male Adolescents Programme and the Roving Caregivers' Programme.

At the ceremony, friends and collegues lauded Mrs. Jarrett. Myrtle Daley, a colleague, described Mrs. Jarrett as a self-assured person who adored children and thus, her foray into early-childhood development.

"Joyce Jarrett may be regarded as the fountain of knowledge when it comes to early-childhood education," Ms. Daley said.

"Joyce seems to know so much and makes her contribution with such command and admiration," she added.

Rose Davies, chairman of the board of the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre, said that Mrs. Jarrett's work could not go unnoticed.

"You have forced us to think quality in what we do at the centre," Mrs. Davies said.

In reply, Mrs. Jarrett, a graduate of Shortwood Teachers' College and the University of the West Indies, Mona, said that she was grateful for the commendations received from the trust.

"Today, I stand proud, but I say much more needs to be done. Efforts must be made to improve these institutions. Many are not functioning as early-childhood institutions getting the children ready for the next level," Mrs. Jarrett said.

She added: "We owe it to our children to see to it that these early-childhood institutions perform their role, and not as primary schools."

A bursary was established in Mrs. Jarrett's honour for a student pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.