Empowering parents for literacy success in T&T

By Renee Smith

The local Church is continuing to make strides in nurturing a love of reading and writing in families through the collaboration of stakeholders like the Catholic Religious Educational Development Institute (CREDI), the Franciscan Institute for Personal and Family Development, and the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM).

The Parenting for Literacy (PFL) programme is offered by the Franciscan Institute and is part of the Literacy for Life programme hosted by CREDI which helps young children learn crucial skills for reading and writing at a young age. It is an initiative Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon has blessed, particularly in rural communities.

The Franciscan Institute told The Catholic News the parents’ role in this programme is important because by participating with their child, they will learn how to better support their child on his/her journey to literacy. For this academic school term, 11 Catholic primary schools began the four-week PFL programme targeting parents of Infant I and Infant II pupils.

Some Infant One pupils and their parents at Morne Diable RC

Some Infant Two pupils and their parents at Morne Diable RC

The final session and graduation ceremony for parents of the Morne Diable RC Primary School was held on Wednesday, October 11.

Jo-Ann Taylor-Smith, who has been a facilitator of the programme over the past decade, led the group of over 25 parents during the last four weeks. As the afternoon progressed, the St Martin de Porres RC Church, Morne Diable (where the sessions were held) was filled with parents and their children.

Jo-Ann Taylor-Smith presents a certification of participation to a parent

Also present were the Principal of Morne Diable RC Primary, Tabita Auguste, teachers, and CEBM representatives.

“What we are doing here [with PFL] is laying a solid foundation upon which we are going to build so that the class of 2029 and 2030 will graduate with exceptional success. We cannot achieve that goal without parents on board… I want to underscore you are not required to teach your children to read but through this programme have been afforded skills and strategies to help support your child what is being taught,” Auguste said.

Taylor-Smith also emphasised the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education. Sharing brief remarks during the graduation ceremony, Taylor-Smith observed a transformation in her students.

“I am so proud of the group. I want you to continue what you have been doing with me in sessions because I know you will benefit in leaps and bounds with your children,” she said.

Many parents lauded the programme and the facilitator, expressing it was an enjoyable and informative experience. Some also shared their testimonies:

· Shannon Agard, a mother of one: “Before this programme, I didn’t know how to deal with my daughter. The quickest thing for me to do is lash. This programme taught me to be patient. The things I would have hit for I learnt there are other ways.”

· Dronde Caesar, one of the two fathers who attended the programme: “I must say the programme has taught me to deal with situations that are different. I also realised some of the games that were introduced to play with our kids [to encourage reading/writing] some of these games I have to play every night because my son loves them.”

· Christine Thomas De Boulet: “Being a parent of four, there are many things I realised I was doing the wrong way. I must say, I would recommend the programme to every parent because there is always something new to learn. My takeaway from this programme is a long list! However, communicating effectively and listening to your kids is on it.”

· Marsha Bissessar: “I’ve done things I have never done before with my children like listening and communicating better.”

· Shridevi Bissoondial, who has a daughter in Infants One: “I want to thank Mrs Taylor-Smith for helping parents within Trinidad to understand our kids better. I have noticed that if I continue what I learned and practice, it will help a lot.”

The initiative serves as a reminder that encouraging a love of reading and writing is a collective effort, and together, we can shape the future of young minds.