Georgetown, May 10, 2023 – Yesterday, the Early Childhood (Nursery) Unit of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) joined hands with the Department of Education – Region Four to organize a Parental Sensitization Workshop. Held under the theme “Parents, the Child’s first teacher,” the workshop aimed to enlighten parents on their crucial role in their child’s education.
The workshop kicked off with a series of captivating presentations, leaving the attending parents invigorated and motivated. Renowned figures in the field of education, such as Mr. Lidon Lashley, Director of the Early Childhood Centre of Excellence and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Guyana, Mrs. Yolanda Trotman-Phillips, Special Education Needs Officer, and Early Childhood-Nursery Officers Ms. Marisa Brandon and Ms. Deborah Hutson, took turns as presenters.
Mr. Lashley’s discourse centered around the concept of parental involvement versus engagement. He skillfully engaged the parents, urging them to actively participate in their child’s education. Drawing them into a thought-provoking interaction, he emphasized the importance of parental engagement and encouraged collective efforts between parents and the school. Together, they could devise a winning equation that guarantees their child’s educational success.
Mrs. Yolanda Trotman-Phillips then took the stage to deliver her presentation titled “Special Education Needs and You.” She stressed the significance of early identification and intervention, equipping parents with the knowledge to recognize signs of potential special education needs in their children. She outlined the process of assessment and diagnosis, ensuring parents understand how to secure appropriate support for their child’s development. Importantly, she underscored that parents play an essential role in fostering engagement and creating a supportive environment for their children’s growth.
To conclude the session, Ms. Marisa Brandon and Ms. Deborah Hutson presented “Practical Ways: The Use of Home-Based Resources.” They provided parents with creative strategies to utilize everyday items found at home to promote engagement and learning. Parents eagerly participated, openly sharing their experiences and seeking advice for various scenarios. They displayed remarkable ingenuity in utilizing resources such as buckets, ice trays, funnels, and clothespins to teach and reinforce concepts taught in school while spending quality time with their children.
The workshop was well-attended, with enthusiastic parents actively interacting with the presenters throughout the session. Notably, senior personnel from the Ministry of Education also graced the event. Among them were Mrs. Quenita Walrond Lewis, Director of NCERD, Ms. Toolaram, District Education Officer, who delivered a warm welcome and brief remarks on behalf of Regional Education Officer Ms. Stembiso Grant, and Mrs. Omawattie Ramdin, Curriculum Officer at NCERD, who provided opening remarks on behalf of the Department, encouraging parents to support their children.
The session concluded with heartfelt gratitude expressed by Ms. Benn-Ceasar, District Education Officer, who thanked the presenters for their enlightening presentations. She assured the attending parents that similar sessions would continue in Region Four to offer ongoing support and guidance.
Looking ahead, the Parental Sensitization Session will extend to representatives from Nursery Schools/Classes on the East Bank of Demerara – District 4, demonstrating the commitment to empowering parents throughout the region.
