Bridge Drives Parents Involvement in Child Learning

Funmi Ogundare

Parents at Bridge Nigeria, a network of community nursery and primary schools in underserved communities in Lagos and Osun, have commended the organisation for ensuring that parents are actively involved in their child’s development and academic success.

The commendation was made by Bridge parents during the parent’s Fest programme held recently in Lagos, to ensure that parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning.

It is also aimed at ensuring that they articulate the responsibilities they will uphold in their child’s education. Unlike typical PTA meetings, the parent’s fest gives new and returning parents an opportunity to learn how to help extend teaching outside the classroom, view their children’s academic work and the additional resources available for learning; as well as garner insight on the typical day in the life of a Bridge pupil in the classroom.

In his remarks, a parent, Mr. Sunday Okoduwa who has three children in primary one, three and six, noted that the programme is enlightening and unique as it gives parents an opportunity to experience firsthand how the teachers teach the pupils in the classroom.
According to him, “we got to know the technicality of teaching and learning. I learnt how teachers track and monitor the progress of their pupils and how they get the attention of children using cheers and energisers.”

Another parent, Mrs. Ibilola Agbojo said the parent fest is an indication that Bridge cares.

She noted that by creating more avenues for parents to meet with the teachers and academy managers, parents have more clarity about their role in their children’s success.

“The parent fest initiative is highly commendable and I hope it can be sustained, “she stated.

Bridge Nigeria believes that parent involvement improves attendance and helps children feel more motivated in the classes. The more parents are involved in their children’s education, the better the children’s class motivation, behavior, and grades become.

Speaking on the academic progress of her son, Mrs. Olufunke Akanni, a parent at one of the Bridge International Academies in Abule Egba, Lagos, expressed excitement about the progress her son is making at his school.

She said it is important for parents to be involved in their children’s education.

“The continuous feedback and updates I receive from my son’s teacher helps me keep track of his progress and help work on the areas for improvement.”

As part of activities at the event, parents were made to sign a pledge form to indicate their interest and readiness to be a partner in their child’s education and give them the support they need to become successful and confident future leaders in Nigeria.