Fathers urged to get more involved in children’s school life |19 June 2018

More fathers should take a leading role and be more engaged in the education, growth and development of their children.

Head teacher of the Anse Etoile primary school Jacqueline Celestine made the statement on Friday, during the opening of a special half-day activityto get more fathers involved in the day-to-day activities in their children’s educational process.

The activity was organised by the school to commemorate Father's Day, which this year fell on June 17.

Father's Day is a celebration to honour fathers and celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

Ms Celestine said the aim of the activity was to get more fathers involved, as most of the times it is the mothers who are directly linked to the children’s school and education life.

She said it is an opportunity for the fathers to see what goes on at school, placing them in a better position to understand the positive and negative aspects of their children’s school life and also for them to see how they can help the school.

She noted that the turnout surpassed their expectation and she hopes that it will be the beginning of a new trend.

She, however, added that they receive a lot of support from fathers, especially during outdoor and sports activities, while they tend to neglect the academic side which is more of a mother-related task.

The activity started with a special assembly, including a moment of reflection and prayer and several performances by the children, all in line with Father’s Day.

The fathers then accompanied their children into their classrooms to interact with the teachers, before engaging in different activities, including sports, cooking, painting and gardening.

Father’s Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March, April and June. It complements similar celebrations honouring family members, such as Mother's Day, Siblings Day and Grandparents Day.

Meanwhile other schools around the country also organised activities on Friday to commemorate Father’s Day, highlighting the good things fathers are doing to meet their children’s needs and also to encourage other fathers who are not doing so well.

Plaisance secondary school organised a special religious service at the Ste Theresa’s Church before proceeding to the school for other activities reserved for fathers.

The accompanying photos were taken during the ceremonies at the Anse Etoile primary school and the Ste Theresa’s Church.