It was a refreshing display of togetherness as Parliamentary representative for the Castle Bruce constituency, Johnson Drigo and United Workers Party candidate for the next general election, Isaac Baptiste, presented certificates to participants of a parenting programme in that community.
It was organized by the Castle Bruce Primary School in collaboration with the Roving Caregiver Program and East Dominica Children Federation (an affiliate of Child Fund Caribbean).
Thirty five of the 65 parents (including 6 fathers) who registered for the programme, received their certificate of participation at the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Topics discussed during the 7 weeks program included Child Sexual Abuse conducted by Lesley Ann Waldron and Carol Soto, Assisting Children with Homework by Ernie Jno-Finn, The Education Act and You by Simeon Joseph, Hygiene and Appropriate Dressing by Dr. Velda Wade, Anger Management by Alicia Wiltshire
and Child Protection by Francis Joseph.
Principal of the primary school Jovin Joseph said he was looking forward to some positive results at the school as a result of the programme. Former parliamentary representative for Castle Bruce, Loreen Bannis – Roberts, congratulated all the parents for their participation. She said the topics which were dealt with were very relevant and cautioned parents to be actively involved and take a keen interest in their children. Bannis-Roberts admonished parents to be very conscious of what they post on social media. “Our children are watching” she said.“Safety is a must!” said Parl Rep Drigo comparing parenting to an airline flight. “Parents must be on guard always, checking the safety and well being of the their children at all times,” he urged. He expressed concern about the “level of child sexual abuse during the holiday” and urged parents to “continue to supervise their children, be aware of where they go , with whom , build a rapport with their children.” He said Government has allocated funds for the renovation of the primary school which will be done during the vacation.
Two parents, Mariana Lockhart and Claudia Hector, testified of the benefits of this program in their parenting skills. They declared that they are trying to be better parents by shouting and beating less.
Nora Berkitt was given the award for most committed parent.
When we work together much can be achieve.
That happens quite a lot in other countries. Opposition and ruling party, come together, share the same stage for for the good of the people they represent. This could be the beginning of something positive. Good Luck.
The parenting programme was really enlightening. All the classes were enjoyable and educational. We the participants were really happy to have gone through these weeks of education and reinforcement. Way to go Castle Bruce Primary PTA in collaboration with the Roving Care Givers and Child Fund Programmes. We look forward to #2.
Good things are happening in Castle Bruce
Very moving I must say…continue the team spirit as we move forward…together we can.
Bravo! Wonderful work everyone. Great to see my community doing such awesome things. Congrats. Looking forward to even more wonderful things from my community.
one people!
Say what you want…this is positive
Congratulations to organizer and participants….
I love this village…forever blazing the trails to foster a better Castle- Bruce
Way to go Castle Bruce! A breath of fresh air indeed!
Hate and division and finger pointing (it’s not us it’s them) will achieve nothing but more hate and division until we lose Dominica completely! Congratulations!
I understood that Francis Joseph`s lecture presentation went very well and beyond the time limit as the parents present participated fully and were very much engaged.
Good to hear and well done Joseph for this and also congratulations to the parents who actively were engrossed in Joseph`s lecture. Congratulations to all the organisers.
Parenting is key.