Reminder to put children before jobs, careers

By ELIAS NANAU
PARENTS were given a stern reminder at Jack and Jill Pre-School’s Independence celebrations yesterday.
“Do not use your positions or jobs to ignore children and leave the task to grandparents,” Southern region education standards director Annemarie Kona told parents, teachers and friends at the school.
The former primary school teacher said parents should find time to attend their children’s activities, whether were related to school or not.
“Regardless of how busy you are or the position you occupy, you must come.”
Kona said a lot of children went to school to find love, joy and happiness which were absent in the home.
As the country’s 37th Independence loomed, she told parent that taking some time out of work to attend activities actually sent children the message of love and care.
She said it was the parents’ job to find ways to integrate their children into society with acceptable values and education.
Kona said when parents provided the love and support for children from an early age, children often learnt that and grew up well educated, obedient and as good ambassadors.
She also challenged teachers to provide love, commitment and dedication but said it was important they understood each child’s ability.
Kona told teachers that they were responsible for laying the foundation of a child’s learning.
She said the government was now ready to provide free education and produce high achievers who could also go overseas and study after Grade 12.