Parent Power calls new minister of Education to see parents as active role players in the education system.
Date: 24 July 2024
Cape Town, — In a powerful response to the need for greater parental involvement in education, we are proud to introduce the Parent Power activation card for schools in South Africa.
Improving Parental Involvement
Parent Power aims to bridge the gap between parents and schools by fostering an environment where parents feel confident and knowledgeable about their role in their children’s education. This includes understanding school operations, grade performance, and the importance of advocating for their children’s needs. The activation card is a tool to further understand the way schools are engaging with parents and enhancing their engagement strategy for parents.
In a recent opinion piece by Andisiwe Hlungwane, Project Lead of Parent Power, it was highlighted that parents are critical actors in education. This call to action is especially timely as the new Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, emphasizes focusing on the department’s core mandate and prioritizing parental engagement. Despite the 1996 South African Schools Act, which legally established parents as key stakeholders in schools, many parents still feel disempowered and unaware of their rights and responsibilities.
“Although legislation has intentionally included parents as vital stakeholders in school governing bodies (SGBs), their participation is often limited to a select few who serve as representatives of the broader parent community and are actively involved in school governance. But it is vital that all parents feel that they can interact with teachers and the principal in ensuring their child’s best interests,” Andisiwe Hlungwane
Survey Insights:
To better understand the experiences and perceptions of parents in South Africa, Parent Power commissioned the first-ever nationally representative household survey. The survey, which included 1,705 parents from diverse economic backgrounds and all nine provinces, revealed both encouraging and concerning findings:
- Positive Perceptions: 82% of parents reported that their children are happy at school.
- Safety Concerns: Nearly one in five parents expressed concerns about safety, citing issues like bullying and alcohol-related incidents.
- Lack of Knowledge: Four in 10 parents felt uninformed about school operations, highlighting a need for greater transparency.
- Advocacy Challenges: 18% of parents felt unable to advocate effectively for their children, pointing to issues with teacher responsiveness and respect.
About Parent Power:
Parent Power is dedicated to elevating parents as powerful actors in their children’s education. By providing support and resources, we aim to foster strong partnerships between parents, schools, and communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and effective education system that prioritizes the well-being and success of every child.
For more information about Parent Power and how you can get involved, please visit the parent power website
Media Contact:
Zeenat Hendricks
Communications & Engagement Specialist