As a social worker, deeply concerned with the welfare of children’s plight, I consider this opportunity very timely, deserving and worthy of being utilize for maximum effect.
As an advocate for quality education in society and as an ardent supporter of quality basic and secondary education for children, I do not take this invitation for granted.
Mr. Chairman, I strongly believe that most of us here today are parents and concerned one of course. We are here precisely to celebrate this occasion under the theme “The role of Parents in identifying the potential in children”
I am of thestrong conviction that, all parentsdesire nothing less than the very best that life has to offer their children under the universe. We do so believing that,quality education has the capacity and the key to make this happen and that through quality education, they can be empowered and transformed such that, in the near future, they would be ableto take up the challenge to build their communities in particular and the nation in general.
Education helps people to become wiser in decision making, in theirgeneral choices, their relationship with others, and the ability to plan for our lives, families, communities and their nation at large.
It gives us confidence to pursue our respective paths in life and to do nothing less than our very best to achieve it. It is for this reason that we must insist on the provision of quality education at all levels for our children today.
It is important to know or to be reminded that, there are three (3) key factors that drive higher educational attainment namely:
- The ability of the individual
- The interest of the individual and
- The environment
About the environment, issues such as where we live, the people we interact with and the kind of school we attend are key factors.
Interestingly, Nananom Educational Complex with a humble beginning isa growing institution with well-laid down structures, qualified teaching staff, located in a serene environment and has experienced committed and well-focused management in place. With these available, I am pleased to state that, the academic and nurturing ingredients that are required to professionally build the educational foundation of children is guaranteed.
Mr. Chairman, dear parents, please let us remind ourselves of the fact that, in order to build a goodeducational foundation, it required a combined effort of Parents, School, Government and social workers as well. Wherefore, it is necessary to see this task as a responsibility for all concerned. While saying so, I will also plead with the authorities of the school to continue aspiring for excellence and do all that is ethical, legal and necessary to envisaged hall mark.
Mr. chairman, our dear parents, while these serve as truth, it is also very necessary you play your part too knowing education will be better if (1) schools, (2) Government (3) social institution and more especially we the parents play our role effectively.
Mr. Chairman, strategizing ways of discovering specific intelligence (talent) in children is essential in career development especially among children as it provides us the opportunity to determine their career direction in terms of what they are good at and what they aren’tgood at. This way we, can together, help maximize the realization of their fullest potential for the betterment of society and self.
Dear parents, let me also remind you that, youall haveinfluence on the level of education or training your children aspire togain. Generally speaking, characteristics in human aresometimes learned unconsciously. Children and teenagers imbibe or adopt their parents’ attitudes and expectations as they grow up. Therefore, it is very necessary that, we take a careful look at the decisions we take about or for our children.
All of us as parent have the right to make decision for our children today. Unfortunately, no single individual has the right to avoid the consequences of the very decision that we do take. Your decision could be, your willingness to support your children’s education by paying all their school fees on time, provide their basic needs, and counsel them, monitor their progress and collaborate with the school on all matters related to their welfare or you may decide not to show any concern and thus leave your child or children to their fate.
If your child becomes a Minister, President, Chief Director etc. tomorrow as a result of your ready support from them today, you the parent would automatically command the respect of the society.
However, if you decide not to show any concern, you would squarely face the result if they become criminal, commercial sex workers with all the attendant ordeals.
It is therefore your burden responsibilities to do the following:
Tips to help your child’s career development:
- Encourage your children to get as much education as possible.
- Help them to discover their innate talents and skills.
- Develop their knowledge of the world of work.
- Teach them decision- making skills.
- Value gender equity and cultural diversity.
- Become aware of career resources/ education and training opportunities that they deserve and give all necessary advisethat is required.
- Attend Parent/Teacher meetings and contribute meaningfully
- If the school organises career talks for parents, make sure you are in attendance.
- Always use decent words to inspire them
- Reward them for excellence or doing things that makes you feel proud.
- Always make sure that the use their time wisely and for profitable purposes
What you must not do
- Do not give promises that you cannot deliver if possible let them be a surprise
- Avoid reminding them of their mistakes but find a way of addressing them while guiding them on the way forward.
- Do not invoke negative pronouncement on them but rather wish them well
- Keep adult privacy away from them knowing that they always copy what they see
- Avoid instant discipline for wrong doing but let them know why certain disciplinary actions are applied on them
A few simple rules:
- Be involved in what they,do but do not be in control
- Advise them when the need arises, but do not decide for them
- Support them in their choice of action, but do not dominate same
Human values are the foundation for any viable life within the society: they build space for a drive, a movement towards one another, which leads to peace. Human values thus defined are universal: they are shared by all human beings, whatever their religion, their nationality, their culture, their personal history may be.
It is important therefore to value the education of our children for the betterment of society. Our role as parents therefore is very important and must not be over looked or shirked.
Mr.Chairman, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for being part of this occasion; I wish Nananom Educational Complex prosperous years ahead.
Thank you and God bless us all….
Speech Read by:
Lawrence SaahVarnie, Director
Cradle of Hope for Relief and development (CHRAD)