What Being a Parent Volunteer Has Done for Me
Friday, February 1, 2008
Mdm Kannagi Ibrahim has been a parent volunteer at Evergreen Primary School since 2004.
Research by the National Parent Teacher Association in the USA has found that students whose parents are actively involved in their education do better at school, regardless of their family income and background. Specifically, students with involved parents have greater academic success, better attitudes about school and fewer behavioural problems.
Sounds too good to be true? Not at all! I’ve been involved in the Parent Support Group at Evergreen Primary School since its inception in 2004 and volunteering is a passion from the heart for me. Being involved in the school has given me immense satisfaction and other benefits too.
I’m proud to say that until today, I’ve never had any complaints about my children from their teachers. Academically, my children have also been doing well. In addition, being involved in the school has given me a better insight into the school’s culture and policies, which some parents may not be as familiar with. It has also given me the opportunity to interact with school leaders, teachers, other staff and parents. I’ve also gained a better appreciation of teachers, their roles, difficulties and dedication to duty. My involvement in the school has certainly helped me to develop a better working relationship with them.
PSG activities provide a network where Mdm Kannagi and other parents can help the school and share ideas about parenthood and education.
Parent volunteers have firsthand information about the school’s new policies and events. As an active volunteer, I’m thus kept abreast of happenings in the school. This helps me to better prepare my children so that they are ready for the changes.
I also have the opportunity to give constructive feedback to the school and be a channel for fellow parents to raise issues and concerns. I’m glad to say that I’ve made many new friends through my involvement in the school. We now have a network through which we share our concerns and ideas on parenthood, education and other matters.
Most importantly, my children are very proud of my involvement in the school. My two older children have moved on to secondary school but my youngest child is still in the school. He loves seeing me in school and I have somewhat become a “star” when I’m there. He once told me, “Mummy, you are famous in my class and all my friends know you!” - while beaming with pride!
Volunteering in school enables me to contribute towards the progress and development of the school and its pupils, and this brings me happiness and satisfaction. Fellow parents, do come on board and experience the joy and fulfilment of being a volunteer in your child’s school!
Contributed by:
Mdm Kannagi Ibrahim
Chairman, Parent Support Group
Evergreen Primary School