Teachers start training to be
Active Parenting leaders
PHILIPSBURG--A parenting handbook called Active Parenting Guide that includes an Active Parenting Leader Guide for all leaders has been established as an initiative for all Foundation-Based Education (FBE) schools.
Two years ago, the Active Parenting Programme was introduced to all VSBO schools in St. Maarten. Due to its success, it was decided to start with a pilot programme for all FBE schools.
The purpose of the programme is to assist and equip parents, educators and everyone involved in any way in the education of children ages 4-12 years with the necessary skills to protect their children and prepare them to survive and thrive in a society in which they are constantly challenged by media, technology, science and social groups, in which they have to make choices and share responsibilities.
Following the start of the programme last Tuesday and Wednesday, a group of 41 persons will be trained to become “Active Parenting” leaders. This group consists of Student Care Coordinators, Cycle I Coordinators, teachers, members of the PTA and parents. Two representatives of Centre for Information and Formation for the Welfare of Children SIFMA were present and an attendee from Saba.
After this two-day workshop conducted by official “Active Parenting” trainers, these leaders will organise a practice training session among their colleagues before conducting a pilot programme in three sessions for a selected group of 25 parents of their own schools.
This pilot programme will be evaluated at the beginning of June so that participants can receive official “Leader” certificates from the Active Parenting Publishers and can continue to organise Active Parenting sessions for all parents in their own FBE schools.
At last Tuesday’s presentation, all FBE schools received an Active Parenting Kit and 25 Active Parenting parent handbooks. The success of this pilot will determine further continuation of the programme.
