KGS hosts Father’s Afternoon Programme

Usually on a Friday afternoon, by the time it was 3:30 p.m. there would be a lull in activities at the Kingstown Government School. However, last Friday, May 27, the school grounds were buzzing with activities as the Child Friendly Committee hosted its Father’s Afternoon Programme for the second successive year.{{more}}

The aims of the program are to forge a closer bond between fathers, their children and the school, so that the fathers would play a pivotal role in the upbringing of their children, which in turn could lead to improved student performance and discipline and to provide an opportunity for fathers and children to socialize.

Deputy headteacher Carmie Williams welcomed the fathers and encouraged them to love and support their children. She stressed that financial support is important, but emotional support is far reaching. Similar sentiments were also expressed by four fathers who exhorted the approximately 50 fathers who were present.

One father lamented that he had never experienced the love of either a mother or father as they both abandoned him at eight months old; he has pledged that he will always be there for his children.

Another testified that his son’s face beamed with happiness when he saw him walk through the school gate that afternoon and he was pleased that he attended as he does not want to let him down. The importance of acknowledging God was also emphasized by Troy Wyllie, father, teacher and member of the Child Friendly Committee.

Certificates of recognition were awarded to four outstanding fathers — Andrew Seales, Samson George, Andrea Da Silva and Junior Garrick who have noticeably contributed to social, emotional and academic development of their children, as well as to the development of the school. The recently established Student Council headed by Ayinde Daniel of Grade 5 was introduced and there was also entertainment by students. The highlight of the afternoon was the father-child team games which included dominoes, cards, skipping, sack races, dressing for school among others. Tokens were given to the winners and snacks were served. The evening came to an end with an entertaining, energetic performance by Shernell Skarpyon Williams who teamed up with the school for the second consecutive year.