Latest update – December 2024

During the first week of the new school year, we had the first meeting with the parents, where we discussed the benefits of our project and their responsibilities, working together for the sake of their children’s education. We helped parents complete the necessary paperwork, and for families in greater need, we provided support with gas, medicines, cleaning products, clothes, and shoes

The next meeting with the parents was held on 23 October, and the theme was “The preschooler child and the role of the kindergarten”. I talked about how and why kindergarten is good for children and their needs at this age. We talked about challenging behaviours, why such behaviours may occur and ways to deal with these, and we highlighted how important it is for a child to be praised, rewarded, and encouraged. We also stressed the importance of regular attendance at kindergarten and the Homework Club. At the end of the meeting, the parents received a box with mittens, scarves, caps, warm tops, and of course, hygiene products. For some families in greater need, we helped with money for bottled gas and food.

On 28 November the theme of the parent’s meeting was “The relationship in the family”. God teaches us what love and respect means but conflicts and outbursts of emotions bring turmoil to the families, and the most affected by those are children. We looked at ways to avoid the turmoil and ways that family members can try to understand each other and work together. It is difficult when some families are facing verbal and physical abuse in their homes but we advised them to look for peace, knowing what joy would come from this and knowing their children could grow into a healthy, happy adults.

In addition to the support provided in Parent School, this term we also bought 10 buckets of paint, as requested by the parents. Each bucket was shared between 2 families for them to paint the walls that get stained with smoke from the fireplace. At the beginning of December, every family got money for wood to warm their houses. We asked them to bring in the receipt and then we visited every family to ensure the wood had been purchased. 

During the last parents’ meeting of this semester, we organized a free discussion, in which we recapped the topics covered in the previous meetings. Among the topics discussed, we focused on the essence of the Christmas holiday, emphasizing the significance of the Nativity of the Saviour. At the end of the session, parents had the opportunity to view a photo collage capturing moments from the children’s activities in kindergarten and Homework Club. This meeting was a nice moment to end the semester, strengthening the collaboration and communication between teachers and parents.

Latest update – September 2024

At the end of July the chosen theme for the Parent’s meeting was “Pregnancy“. In the introduction we talked about the first signs of pregnancy and the importance of mothers taking care of themselves as there are risks that alcohol consumption and smoking can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or stunted development of the baby. Mothers were made aware of the importance of a healthy diet, especially the intake of calcium and iron.

Mothers were receptive to the message and shared their personal experiences, talking about the joy of carrying their own children in their wombs and in their arms, despite all the shortcomings and difficulties of life. It was a beneficial time of getting to know each other, socialising but also learning. 

At the next meeting of the “Parents’ School” the topic was “Childbirth and infant growth”. There were 11 moms present, although it was a hot day. We discussed childbirth and I highlighted the first signs of childbirth, the risks and benefits of natural childbirth and cesarean section, and then discussed the stages of childbirth. We talked about the importance of mothers being under medical supervision during labour to help manage the transition through contractions with breathing and various relaxation techniques and being monitored under the doctor’s guidance, to give birth. The mums know that breastfeeding immediately after birth is best for the baby as it provides the necessary vitamins and nutrients needed and will protect the against infection, as well as establishing a deep bond between the mother and the baby. We identified the important stages of child development: grasping skills, general understanding, speech, control of physiological needs, feelings and needs.

I then presented the developmental stages of the first 18 months of life: the first smile, recognizing others and other evidence of memory, quiet sleep at night, the ability to hold a cup, independent movement (not necessarily walking), speech or communication as close to speech as possible, awareness of physiological needs, usually without total control and signs of independent will.

Signs of an independent will will begin to show in the first months after birth and are evident in the first months of life. Babies express their desires and their anger, their pleasure or their rage. Sometimes this willpower leads to tantrums and crying when someone opposes it. The participating mothers confirmed that most of the time babies try to manipulate adults (e.g. wanting to be held all the time). It was a beneficial time, with moms sharing their own experiences and showing eagerness to learn new things, as there is always room to learn from each other.

During this term, the families were helped with money for medicine, for fuel, for new windows and semi-automatic washing machines, clothing items, shoes and hygiene and personal care products. The families were thus sustained not only educationally, but also financially.