Chief Education Officer Olato Sam yesterday called on parents to solidify their role in the lives of their children throughout their academic journey.
Speaking at an event hosted by Princess International Hotel in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aimed at recognizing the academic achievement of the students who secured places in the top 1% at the National Grade Six Assessment, he told a story of how parents’ active participation in their child’s academic life dwindles the higher the child climbs. Sam described the situation as a trend that needs to be reversed.
“I must say to you that this stage of your children’s future is the stage in which they need your strongest support and guidance. There is absolutely nothing that your children will face in their secondary experience that cannot be addressed by strong parental guidance and support,” he said. He also expressed the opinion that every successful student at every level in the education system is successful because of the quality of support received not just from the institutions they attend but from their families as well.
Sam encouraged the young students to make the most of what they have been offered. “Hard work is always rewarded sooner or later. Stay committed to your faith, trust and listen to your family members particularly your parents,” Sam said.
Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine expressed his happiness at being present as the students were recognised and awarded for what he described as an