MP urges greater parental involvement in school

St Michael North MP Davidson Ishmael has called for increased parental participation in school activities, emphasising its crucial role in children’s education.

Speaking at the Ready, Set, Go initiative at the Eden Lodge Primary School, he praised recent improvements in the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) but stressed the need for consistent engagement beyond the first day of term.

“When I came into office in 2022, the PTA at Eden Lodge Primary was not as functional as we would have liked,” Ishmael said. “Over the past two years, we’ve worked hard to encourage parents to become more active, and I’m pleased to say that the PTA has been very engaged this past year.”

The MP acknowledged the challenge of busy schedules but urged parents to regularly participate in school events. 

“Children need to see us investing in them, and something as simple as showing up at school can convey a level of care that words alone cannot,” Ishmael added.

He likened children to “vessels” that need to be filled with good values, calling on parents to “pour love, peace, and humanity” into their young ones”. 

“We need to go back to passing on values and morality to our children, ensuring they grow into the kind of citizens who will bring about the positive change we’re all looking for in our society,” Ishmael said.

The MP commended the school’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for new pupils, noting the calmness and discipline of the students, which he attributed to the hard work of the new principal and her team.

Principal Deborah Stoute-Burke encouraged the children to be purpose-driven: “All of you can achieve greatness. So let us be intentional, let us stay focused, let us step forward in courage as we strive to fulfil our goals and we are going to go forward positively.”

Supporting the MP’s message, Reverend Davidson Bowen of Christ the King Anglican Church in neighbouring Rock Dundo delivered an inspiring address on living with purpose and doing what is right in alignment with God’s will. 

“Your job is to hear the voice of God, to do the things that are right, to do the things that are good,” he said.

Reverend Bowen warned against disobedience, noting that straying from one’s purpose may lead people away from the path God has set for them. 

“When we disobey and do our own thing, we will not necessarily end up where God wants us to be,” he added. (LG)