ST.JOHN'S Antigua, June 6th, 2012 -- Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro is urging parents to be more involved in their child’s education experience, to help mitigate what the ministry sees as an escalation in not only drugs but violence and deviant behavior.
Reaching out to parents at a United Progressive Party (UPP) rally in Bolans on Tuesday, the Education Minister stressed, without a support structure at home, a child is more likely to perform poorly in school and demonstrate deviant behavior. As such the Ministry of Education is advocating that parents fulfill their roles and responsibilities to their children.
“The statistics have showed us that parents who get involved in their children’s education are ninety to ninety -five percent more likely to be well -adjusted, successful, well- behaved, respectful children, as opposed to those parents who are either too busy or just not interested in their children’s education.” Dr Quinn-Leandro said.
The Minister pointed out that parents can help ensure that their children get the education they need by being supportive and engaged with what they are doing in school.
The Ministry of Education has seen evidence that all the top performers for the Common Entrance exam, CXC exam and CSEC or CAPE exams are from homes where parents show interest in their children.
The Education Minister told parents making the decision to join a Parent Teachers Association (PTA), helping with homework; and finding ways to allow a child to build upon their academic strengths can go a long way in positively impacting their education.
“Part of the problem that we are having in our society today with lack of control, with violence and deviant behavior, stems from that lack of proper home training, parental care, strong discipline in the home, nurturing and love.” Dr Quinn-Leandro noted.
Meanwhile to help curb the problem of juvenile deviant behavior, the Ministry of Education has taken a Zero Tolerance Policy towards gangs, and violence in schools and has implemented programmes that will help tackle the surge among students.
Initiatives such as the Cadet Corps programme, the Partnership for Peace PFP programme, and the DARE Programme have been implemented in schools to help young people make positive decisions.
“Check your children’s school bags. We are finding too many machetes, cutlasses and scissors and picks in the school bags of our children. Check their school bags before they leave home and make sure they only have books and pens and pencils.” Dr Quinn-Leandro said.
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