RIYADH, 16 May 2005 — Education is no longer a rare commodity. At present, nearly 86 percent of all Saudi men and 73 percent of women are educated, compared with only 15 percent and two percent respectively in 1970. In spite of the steep rise in literacy, many children are still struggling through school. Some come from supportive homes but are left behind by the school system. Others have the potential for academic excellence but fail to achieve it because of discouragement or lack of support from the family. There are yet others who are neglected by both.
A leading private school in Riyadh has taken the initiative to narrow the gap between home and school and to give students a positive environment where parents and teachers work together and share common goals. Educators at Manarat Al-Riyadh Girls School believe that parental involvement is key to a child’s success in school. The school’s English section recently held its annual “Student Recognition and Fun Day” and for the first time, invited mothers to participate in the day’s events.
And participate they did: Mothers, daughters and teachers competed with and against each other in a true spirit of sportsmanship. Winners from previous school competitions and the Top 5 students in each class were also honored for their achievements.
“I enjoyed meeting with the parents,” said Nawal Al-Mohaimeed, the school principal. Sometimes parents have concerns about their children and simply appreciate a kind ear,” she added.
Nawal said she would like to see a similar trend in other schools, especially public schools, which have been the focus of several workshops at Manarat.
“We are blessed to have the resources required to arrange such programs, but sadly there are several public schools that do not have even the very basic equipment, such as a stage,” said Nawal.
“We have many other events in mind, for instance, a debate between teachers and students and a Career Day, in which professionals from various fields come in and talk to the students. We are not interested in lecture-style settings, and would like the students to put forth their own ideas for discussion. These are intelligent young minds and we need to nurture them.”
After a variety of competitive games, mothers walked through an exhibition, where the students’ best work was on display. Exhibits included professionally produced school reports on a range of subjects from computers to business and economy, as well as fine arts projects that displayed a wide range of artistic ability, including artificial flower-making, sketching, sewing and painting.
“We have also introduced some cookery classes,” said Mutahar Omer, the school’s English section coordinator.
“The school experience should be an all-round development. Students should develop morally, physically and intellectually. We have also started field trips and have taken high school students to see the annual Janadriyah Festival. Grades 8-10 visited King Abdul Aziz Museum, Grades 4-7 went on a trip to a fun park and Grades 1-3 visited the zoo.”
According to Mutahar, 50-60 percent of parents currently participate in school activities, and there are two parent teacher meetings each term.
Nawal believes there is room for improvement and would like to see more parental involvement, especially through a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which is still in the planning.
“I would like to give parents a leading role,” said Nawal.
A PTA can benefit students in more ways than one. PTAs are usually divided into committees and subcommittees working together for the benefit of the children as it facilitates communication among parents and between parents and school staff.
