FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
4 June 2021
Bright Beginnings for first nursery to receive FIG capital development grant
Today saw the official opening of ‘Bright Beginnings’ the first childcare business in the Falkland Islands to receive financial support from the government’s £1 million capital development grant. The scheme aims to assist local childcare providers to take advantage of opportunities to grow and sustain their business, by reducing the financial barriers to development and expansion.
Bright Beginnings was awarded £200,000 by the Falkland Islands Government, which was used to support the construction of a new building, with business owner Caitlin Mansilla providing the funds for operational overheads, including staffing and training. The business has now entered into a contractual relationship with the government to support the long-term service provision of local, high quality childcare.
The ceremonial cake-cutting took place in the nursery’s new premises on Sapper Hill, where guests were given a tour of the facilities. From first concept to completion, the project took approximately two years and nine months, first opening its doors on Monday 31 May 2021.
Jo Ford, Childcare Advisor Teacher, said: “I am delighted to be part of the celebrations today and to witness the first FIG-funded building opening. The whole childcare sector has experienced positive change over the past four years and has demonstrated motivation and perseverance to get to where we are today. I am very proud of the Bright Beginnings team, they have faced many obstacles along the way but have overcome each and every one with smiles on their faces. This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Falkland Islands childcare, with many new nursery buildings yet to come.”
Caitlin Mansilla, owner of Bright Beginnings, said: “I would like to thank FIG for the opportunity they have given me by funding this beautiful nursery building. After a lot of planning and incredibly hard work from many people, as well as all the blood sweat and lots of tears, we are finally able to start operating as Bright Beginnings Ltd. I want to say I am so proud of my incredible team who have helped me, without them I wouldn't be where I am now so thank you.”
MLA Stacy Bragger, Portfolio Lead for Nurseries, said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Caitlin and her team for all of their hard work and determination, which has resulted in the opening of this new facility. High quality early years childcare is vital for our community, helping children to develop the social, emotional and communications skills that they need to succeed in later life. I wish Bright Beginnings many happy years ahead, although I’m sure that means that the playroom won’t always look as pristine as it does today.”
The award of this tranche of capital development grant funding aligns with one of the aims of The Islands Plan 2018-2022: to invest in improved early years provision.
****
ENDS