The festive season is over and it’s now back to school time. Parents and guardians are out again with their children checking out the best deals in town, where they can purchase uniforms, sandals, exercise books, bags and stationery.

Some have moved early and completed their shopping straight after Christmas and so for now they are just winding down the clock.

On the other hand there are parents and guardians who have not started at all. The delay is probably because of a number of reasons like work commitments and financial constraints. For some parents and guardians they are still trying to sort things out with their children’s school while others are faced with a much serious matter concerning their children’s future.

This is tough, as parents or guardians are in a dilemma, as they are about to decide on whether to allow their children to stay at home or put them to school for another year. Making that decision is not easy especially being confronted with crippling issues like:

• Children not academically bright and are failing exams
• Teenage pregnancies
• Children losing interest in school work because of peer pressure
• Children wanting to work to support their family and the list goes on

For any parent and guardian, they will always want the best for their children. Faced with such challenges, it is a matter of encouraging their loved ones to continue working hard in school. Nothing is too late for them but there’s always a second chance.

It’s only about taking time out to sit and discuss with their children about the importance of education and the need they should continue on despite the circumstances they are in. Every child should always know that education leads to:

• Stability in life
• Ability to earn money
• Equality and treated with respect
• Makes you independent
• Fulfil your dream and making it a reality
• Raise living standards
• Contribute to making the world a much safer place
• Become confident
• Being a part of society and not an outcast
• Contribute to the country’s economy
• Prevent you being exploited by outside forces

The above points should help every child know the importance of getting a good education. What will push them further is the endless support from their parents or guardians through the school year. That is by assisting them with their assignments and projects while at the same time constantly monitor their academic performance. Your involvement simply tells your child that you care for them and it pushes them on.

This is a must from every parent or guardian while our Government has already made it easier for us with the successful implementation of free education for all.

LEONE CABENATABUA

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj