Phoebe Williams building futures in Tredegar Park

Phoebe Williams' mornings begin with the lively chatter of 30 preschoolers, their wide-eyed curiosity serving as her daily inspiration.

For the past two years, she has poured her heart and soul into shaping young minds at the Tredegar Park Early Childhood Institution in St Catherine, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

"The honesty and innocence of the children are what continue to inspire me every day," Williams shared passionately. "I believe laying the right foundation for young children helps shape them into curious, lifelong learners."

Williams' journey to the principal's desk has been as challenging as it is inspiring. When she accepted the offer in May 2022, extended by then chairman, Valrie Williams, she inherited more than a title -- she took on the daunting task of rebuilding a school that had seen better days.

Founded in 1984 by Sheila Marsh, Tredegar Park Early Childhood Institution changed from Tredegar Park Basic to its current moniker. Prior to its reopening after a pandemic-induced closure, the school was in desperate need of repairs, with crumbling infrastructure threatening its future. But Williams, armed with determination and a vision for change, embraced the challenge head-on.

"I thought it would just be roof repairs, windows, and a coat of paint," Williams admitted. "But as the renovation progressed, issues with the electrical system, plumbing, and other hidden problems surfaced. It was overwhelming, but it taught me resilience and revealed strengths I didn't know I had."

The school's transformation would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Robert White, managing director at Sanmerna Paper Products. "The school wouldn't be where it is today without him," Williams said.

Before stepping into the world of education, Williams enjoyed a career in sales and marketing, spending five years as an automotive sales representative. But her true calling came unexpectedly when a friend urged her to try teaching at Little Busy Bee Pre-school.

That pivotal moment ignited her passion for early-childhood education. Her pursuit of excellence led her to positions at Providence Methodist Early Childhood Institution, where she found a mentor in principal Catherine Smith-Gayle.

"She was a true leader who believed in self-development and hands-on learning," Williams said. Inspired by her mentor, Williams enrolled at Shortwood Teachers' College and is now working towards a bachelor's degree in early-childhood education.

Today, Williams leads a team of two teachers and a cook, serving children from communities such as Gravel Heights, Lauriston, and Haile Selassie Heights. But her journey has been far from smooth.

"Running the school is like managing a small business," she explained. "Families face economic hardships, and inconsistent fee payments affect our financial stability. We're exploring additional funding sources to stay afloat."

Williams' vision for Tredegar Park Early Childhood Institution is ambitious yet deeply rooted in nurturing her students. She dreams of starting a herb and vegetable garden, expanding classroom spaces, and introducing a nursery programme for toddlers.

"I want to create legacy classrooms, where children with disabilities can learn alongside their peers," she said. "Diversity, inclusion, and holistic development will be at the heart of everything we do."