Recently, parents from Danielskuil gathered at Danielskuil Intermediate School, while those in Postmasburg convened at Ratang Thuto Secondary School, to participate in the impactful Parent Power workshop series.
The workshops saw participation from both parents and School Governing Body (SGB) members, who collectively identified key issues within the current schooling system and brainstormed potential solutions. When asked how, as a parent, you can show support towards your child and their education, one parent had this to say; “ Building a relationship with your child’s educator, to be able to follow up on your child’s lessons and assist the child with those lessons at home as well.”
A focal point of the workshop was understanding and differentiating between two important concepts: parental engagement and parental involvement.
Parental engagement refers to parents actively participating in their children’s education and school activities, forming a collaborative partnership with educators to support student learning. Parental involvement, on the other hand, involves a broader scope, including activities such as attending school events, volunteering, and fostering a supportive home environment conducive to learning.
The workshops delved into the importance of both engagement and involvement, highlighting practical strategies for parents to adopt. Discussions centered around creating a supportive and communicative atmosphere between parents and schools, ensuring that parents are not just passive participants but active contributors to their children’s educational journey.
This workshop marks the first in a series of three planned sessions, each designed to build upon the last and bring parents closer to effective involvement and engagement with their children’s schools. The Lesedi Solar Park Trust is committed to supporting this initiative, recognizing the vital role that a strong parent-school relationship plays in the academic and personal development of students.
Participants will be informed of the upcoming workshop dates, as the journey towards successful parental involvement and engagement continues. We believe that by working together, parents and schools can create a nurturing and productive educational environment for all students.