Dr Francis: Good parenting is key

“I am a firm believer that good parenting whether in the 12th century, in the 19th century, in the 20th century, 21st century, it is still good parenting.

There is a fundamental platform which constitutes good parenting. We often forget how tremendously powerful parenting is. It has the power to shape the universe,” the minister said.

He made the comments at the Fourth Biennial Parenting Conference hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago National Council of Parent-Teacher Association (NPTA) at Cara Suites Hotel and Conference Centre in Claxton Bay.

The theme of the event was ‘Retooling parents for the 21st century child’.

Francis shared fond memories of his childhood days in the countryside (Moruga) and emphasised that his parents instilled strong values into the family.

“If it were left up to me, I would not be standing here in a suit. I am the product of excellent parenting. I won the Lotto in that I was born to great parents...

In 2012, my mother died. I have not yet shed a tear because of the power of conditioning,” Francis said.

Parents are facing “interesting and difficult times in education”, Francis said, adding that many schools are falling apart.

“We have a situation where we have 3,500 students in 2016 who cannot score above 30 percent in Mathematics and Language Arts.

Many of our school only teach Mathematics and Language Arts and the children cannot pass it,” Francis noted.

The minister explained in terms of international ranking for reading and Mathematics, “our best students do not compare favourably with international trends”.

Despite this drawback, Francis assured all hope is not lost.

“We have some serious concerns.

But at the other side of that, we are at interesting crossroads.” “We have inherited a system that is damaged but with leadership we could grabbed this thing by the neck and reorient this system,” Francis added.

NPTA president Zena Ramatali, in her address, noted that yesterday’s event was a day of self reflection.

She urged the gathering to listen to the speakers’ addressees.

Thereafter they should share the information, in their homes, communities and regions.

“Are we ready for the task ahead? Are we satisfied with what is happening in our country? Well I am not. I hope that what is said today, we can take it home,” Ramatali said.

This year the NPTA celebrates its 56th anniversary and had embarked on a series of training sessions both internally and externally.