CSTL Sharing Meeting 2015 Parents’ Club/Club des Parents Brigitte Perrin Mauritius Southern Sun Cape Sun– Cape Town, South Africa 23-25 November 2015

Presentation Outline A description of the programme Achievements Challenges Opportunities/Emerging Issues Key lessons learnt

A description of the programme Clubs des Parents/Parents’ Clubs Main aim: Parental empowerment Objectives: Acquire competencies/skills through talks Help schools with activities/attendances Help in outreach programme

TALK FOR PARENTS

PARENTS’ CLUB MEMBER HELPING THE SCHOOL WITH ACTIVITIES

Achievements Most ZEP schools have an active club Pupils’ attendance and pass rate improved Network of other Ministries/Agencies supportive Some parents act as Resource Persons Parents Day organised in specific clusters

PARENTS’ CLUB MEMBERS AFTER A MEETING

Rate of pupils’ absenteeism is another official indicator of the ZEP project. It decreased continuously during the last years.

Challenges Some schools struggle to set up parents’ club Parents’ attendance limited Network is not always effective Limited human resources (Parent Mediators) Outreach Programme is not always effective

Opportunities/Emerging Issues Bring the school closer to the homes Parents better understand school’s objectives Peer collaboration among parents Combat poverty at source Effective parental & community empowerment

PEER COLLABORATION AMONG PARENTS ENGAGED IN THE SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAMME

Key Lessons Learnt Importance of parents in education Willingness to learn from most parents Importance of shared vision Diversity of challenges Necessity to work in a network

END NOTE

ZEP PROJECT, REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS THANK YOU! Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research

Comments and Questions from the Floor & Other Panellists.