GBV impacts negatively on children
The degree of gender-based violence (GBV) that children continue to witness at home is said to be impacting negatively on their academic work.
This was revealed by a Family and Community Education Engagement Consultant, Sam Magama, who is also the former chairperson of National Parents and Teachers Association (NPTA) in an interview with Mmegi. He stated that over the years, students’ behaviours have changed, which he identified as a reflection of the society they live in. Magama said GBV has a negative impact not only on the victim but on all members of the family especially children. This is something that also impacts on their academic work hence the need to forge effective PTA partnerships to transform schools. He stated that parents are the reflection in their children’s eyes and as children explore the possibilities of what it means growing up, they look at parents as role models.
“Our schools are a reflection of the communities that they serve and we all know the degree of GBV our children are witnessing. Children are mirrors reflecting images of what happens around them and one can say the main problem with students is not discipline per se, but lack of procedures and routines at home and the environment they live in,” he said.
He stated that the behaviour and habits children are exposed to in their early ages can become behaviours and habits they carry into adulthood. However, he said the vast majority of behavioural problems in schools are caused by failure of students to follow procedures and routines which start at family level.
Magama stated that some of the duties that parents do are to establish good habits, family procedures and routines to develop family values and prevent indiscipline amongst their children. He said parents should give their children a good foundation something that will surely reflect on their academic work and behaviour at school.
However, he said the vast majority of behavioural problems in schools are caused by failure of students to follow procedures and routines which start at family level.
“Most learners fail because at home they are not used to following procedures. Some parents are failing to tell their children to do house chores and these are the same children that will fail to follow procedures and routines at school and in the process display rowdy behaviour that they were brought up with towards their studies and other learners,” he said.
Furthermore, Magama said families have contracted parenting to schools, government and maids for too long hence calls for parents’ involvement in their children‘s education. He, however, stated that for children to excel, families have to accept their responsibilities to help them learn and develop well.
“Botswana does not have organisations that inspire and empower young people to model and foster core values and PTAs are best suited to do so hence the need to stir national dialogue on PTA. Parental involvement in education is unquestionably one of the pivotal factors that can help schools attain excellence in academic performance,” he said.
He further revealed the need for parents’ involvement in their children’s education through PTA dialogues. Magama said parents should know that being involved in their children’ education goes beyond buying them school uniform and paying school fees.
“We must all see our role in the battle to stamp out violence in our peace loving country. Children do not know who to tell or who to turn to for help when they are experiencing situations of violence at home. Sadly, children turn to later display that ill behaviour amongst their peers and teachers,” he said.
He revealed that re-engineering PTAs will position families to better appreciate themselves as powerful engines for their contribution towards public good.
“We want parents who can go to their children’s schools uninvited and ask about their behaviour and academic performance. This will give them a great opportunity to discuss their children’s education and map a way forward if there is a need. Parents should also understand the importance of attending PTA meetings because it is where they are taken through a wide range of issues including schools’ performance and are also given chance to express their views and make an input,” he said.