workshop to improve parental skills

Guyana Chronicle
December 10, 2002

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A 3-day workshop organised by the Magnet Schools' Programme (MSP) has just concluded at the Carnegie School of Home Economics under the theme "Improving Parental Skills".

Among the objectives of the workshop were the development of strategies for coping with indiscipline in students both at home and in the schools, improving self-esteem among parents and reading. Participants were also exposed to sessions on how to prepare pickles and preserves.

The participants of the workshop were taken from the three Magnet schools, Redeemer, Smith Memorial and East La Penitence Primary as well as their twin schools, St. Margaret’s, St. Agnes and West Ruimveldt Primary.

Coordinator of the Magnet Schools, Mrs. Barbara Stephens, told the parents that they should not keep to themselves the knowledge they acquired during the three days, but to share it with their children, family and friends.

Chief Education Officer, Mr. Ed Caesar, who delivered the opening remarks, described the MSP as "a success story", and stressed that in order for the trend to continue, support had to come from the parents involved.

"Too often, we allow our children to learn from others on the street and when they follow wrong examples we can only blame ourselves for their indiscipline", he pointed out. He further added that by encouraging their children, parents should realise that they are empowering them.

Facilitators of the workshop included Mrs. Barbara Stephens, Ms. Bonita Harris and lecturers from Carnegie.

The three-day workshop was the fifth organised under the MSP, a programme that began in 1998. Under this programme, the three Magnet Schools were twinned with three schools deemed "better" in an attempt to erase the perception that the former schools are not as good as the latter. (Government Information Agency - GINA).

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