All Saints students start early on career paths

Assessing the job market is a task usually left for sometime near graduation. But this morning in Belize City one group of very young people were given a major jump on their competition in the future work force. Jacqueline Woods has the story.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Not all of these five and six year olds will grow up to be nurses, doctors, soldiers, and teachers but these infant one students at All Saints Primary School are getting a head start on a multitude of possible careers. Their teacher, Ann Palacio, says the children spent two weeks learning about the different community workers in Belize. The boys and girls then used the information to decide what they would like to be. Today the students arrived dressed for success.

Ann Palacio, Teacher, All Saints Primary School
?Yes, I am totally impressed. The children are all well suited. They have everything that a customs officer, a doctor, a lawyer, even a judge would have. I think if they would come out, the real professionals, they would be impressed themselves. And I wanna thank all the parents for their participation, because at this age we need to boost their self-esteem, we need to let them know that they are somebody. They are not only five, but in twenty years they can be these people.?

As the children paraded through the streets they won the admiration of many including this police man who was only too happy meet the children who were just thrilled to shake the hand of a real live role model.

Those parents who could make it took pictures and proudly walked alongside their sons and daughters. Janine Ramos she is not sure what job her daughter may one day hold but feels it?s important that she supports her child.

Janine Ramos, Proud Parent
?It help motivate the children and improve their skills at school and their learning. And everyday the kids they often see all the community workers and all of them come one day they come and ask, ?Mommy, please I wanna be this, I wanna be that.?

?One day my daughter say she wants to be a doctor and when she comes home again, mommy I want to be a nurse. And I say, ?Okay no problem baby.?

Stacy Miller, Proud Parent
?Well as I am a parent, I am very interested with whatever the school calls for my child. I give all my support with school learning and everything.?

Jacqueline Woods
?I see this morning your daughter is smartly dressed as a doctor. Is this something you would like to see her become??

Stacy Miller
?Yes. From when they bring their note from school she told me she want to be a doctor?

Career Day is just one of many activities held by most primary schools throughout the year. Jacqueline Woods for News Five.