Ndow’s
The occasion brought together parents from various walks of life, students and their teachers through ASPnet.
The Association of Schools Project Network (ASPnet) is a school-based club under UNESCO geared towards enhancing the learning abilities of children in fulfillment of the MDGs and the new Educational Policy 2004-2015.
The UN General Assembly in its resolution 47/237 of September 1994 set aside May 15 to be observed as International Day of Families.
In 1994, the UN pronounced it as the International Year of Families in response to changing social and economic structures of societies.
In his remarks, the headmaster of Ndow’s Lower Basic School, Francis Gomez, revealed that the UN is doing all it could to make the world a peaceful one in ensuring each country lives peacefully, adding that without the family, no component could be formed.
Mr Gomez appealed to parents in accompanying their children in national development as they are the future leaders.
For her part, the proprietress of the school, Dr Harriet Ndow, urged the parents to give proper guidance to their children, adding that the schools would do all it could to support the children in the right direction.
However, Madam Ndow appealed to parents to be teaching their children good ethics of love, care and respect for each other, as, at the school, they try to keep peace among the children in bringing them together.
Fanta Bai Secka, Social Welfare Director, said the day was declared by the UN in 1993 to reflect on family matters to have a dialogue and focus on the progress of the family.
Madam Secka, however, thanked the school for initiating the occasion, which brings together children and parents.
She, however, revealed the effects children face in the absence of their parents when they go to work, and appealed to parents to focus on their children as they need proper care, love and good buildup, which most of the workers are not able to give to their children due to their busy work.
She further elaborated on the fathers’ role by supplementing in mothers’ efforts in caring for the children.
She said the responsibilities range from grandparents to the parents, saying each has a significant role to play in the family, as well as the children and the community in strengthening family cohesion within the society.
“If the family is defaulted, it will have a negative impact in the society,” Madam Secka said, adding that the family unison is significant.
She also elaborated on the responsibilities expected from children as they are cared for, so as to learn how to be responsible in the future.
She added that if the children are nurtured with positive thought, and taught how to show respect in the society, they will be well trained and prepared for the future.
“As we were raised up positively, we should reflect back on our children for proper guidance to be responsible parents in the future,” Mrs Secka said.
