Prof. Ong’ondo Calls for Stronger Parental Involvement in Learners’ Education
Professor Charles Ochieng Ong’ondo, the Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has urged teachers to ensure parents are actively involved in discussing the affairs of their children, additionally calling for better communication and collaboration between homes and schools
Speaking during the ongoing Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) Annual General Meeting in Mombasa, themed “CBE Transition: Celebrating Achievements, Strengthening Leadership, and the Future of Learning,” Professor Charles Ochieng Ong’ondo underscored the critical role of parents involvement in supporting effective learning.
While CBE seeks to nurture holistic, skill-oriented learners, its success largely depends on the partnership between teachers and parents. He emphasizes the need for more investment and deliberate efforts towards parental engagement and empowerment.
Every time some of them complain about too much demand from school, I ask them if they’ve gone to school to discuss the matter with the teacher.
His remarks spark an important reflection for parents and therefore poses the question: Beyond paying school fees and checking report cards, how else can one truly participate in their child’s educational journey?
Here’s are some of the ways Parents Can Be Actively Involved in Their Child’s Learning
1. Stay present
Attend school meetings, open days, and class events. Being physically present shows interest, while being emotionally present through listening, encouraging, and checking in builds a strong bond of trust and motivation.
2. Keep in touch with teachers
A quick conversation, text, or visit can help you understand your child’s academic progress and behavior. Don’t wait until a crisis or the end of term. Proactive communication creates a shared sense of responsibility.
3. Create a learning-friendly home environment
Children learn best in supportive environments. Encourage reading, curiosity, and creativity at home. Limit distractions during study hours and show enthusiasm about what they’re learning.
4. Celebrate effort, not just achievement
When you praise your child’s hard work, resilience, and small wins, you nurture a love for learning rather than fear of failure.
5. Engage in problem-solving
When challenges arise either academic or behavioral, partner with the teacher to find solutions. Avoid blame; instead, focus on understanding and teamwork.
Why It Matters
Parental engagement isn’t just about oversight. It’s about partnership. When parents and teachers work hand-in-hand, children thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. It also creates a feedback loop that strengthens schools, enhances trust, and supports the goals of CBE.
READ ALSO: Early childhood education- Why the foundation matter most in early years
