REV. SR. Margaret Mary Marfo (F.S.T), Headmistress of the Martyrs of Uganda Jubilee School in Kumasi has entreated parents and guardians to always encourage their wards to perform well academically, instead of condemning them for poor performance in school.
She said children need love, encouragement, approval and affirmation of parents, rather than making negative remarks like: “why can’t you make good grades like others”, are not expected of parents.
Speaking at the eighth graduation ceremony of the Junior High School, she said words are like seeds, they can take root and grow in a person’s mind for years, and for that matter parents and teachers have to correct them in a positive way.
Sister Mary Marfo also advised parents against making a mistake or making negative remarks as “You are such a bad boy or bad girl” because they are bad only that they might have done something wrong.
The headmistress noted that children are good and made in the image of God, who did not create children as junk.
“As parents you have a responsibility to instill confidence, self esteem and security in your children, tell your children who they are, for they have what it takes and there is nothing they can’t do in this world since they are destined to do great things”.
She charged parents to speak words of blessing over their children. “Speak victory over their lives; they need your approval and help them to have a big vision for their lives”, she said and encouraged parents to pay their school fees on time, since children get embarrassed while their spirits are dampened when they are driven out for non-payment of fees.
The headmistress also wanted parents to teach children how to pray, play and participate in the household chores.
She said quality Education, discipline and good upbringing would bring out the best in children them as future leaders and expressed the hope that they can do all things through Christ, for they have full potentials and over flowing with creativity.
Mr. Samuel Oppong Boampong, Chairman for the occasion, observed that it is an undeniable fact that a child’s Education depends on three basic elements, namely the Child himself, Teachers and Parents.
He urged each category to play its role as expected to ensure that the child is properly educated and becomes a responsible person in the society and challenged parents to do their possible best to bring their wards to become acceptable citizens in their communities.