Cherryfield Montessori Sch holds 10th Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Day

Parental involvement key to child development – Dr. Kadogbe

Cherryfield Montessori School, located in the Ga North Municipality, marked a significant milestone with its 10th Graduation, Speech and Prize-Giving Day under the theme: “The Impact of Parental Lifestyle in the Holistic Development of the Learner.”

Speaking at the event, Dr. Clement Kadogbe, a Law Lecturer at Kings University College in Accra, made a passionate appeal to parents to prioritize creating a supportive and nurturing environment for their children despite the country’s harsh economic conditions. According to him, while economic realities such as rising costs and increasing work demands may be unavoidable, they should not come at the expense of a child’s overall development.

“Parents must lead exemplary lives for their wards to emulate. Your lifestyle, attitude, and involvement in your child’s life shape their character, performance, and outlook on life,” Dr. Kadogbe emphasized.

Economic pressures versus quality time

Dr. Kadogbe lamented the growing trend where many parents, in an attempt to provide financially, spend excessive hours at work, leaving their children in school long after closing hours. This, he said, deprives children of essential bonding time and the guidance they need at home.

“The tendency to prioritize work over quality family interaction is becoming the norm. While parents may be working harder to survive, the unintended consequence is a generation of children who feel emotionally neglected,” he warned.

CEO calls for balanced parenting

Echoing similar sentiments, the Chief Executive Officer of Cherryfield Montessori School, Madam Magdalene Dzifa Adzanu, encouraged parents to show more interest in the academic and social growth of their children.

She stressed that while making ends meet is important, parents must not forget the critical role they play in shaping the academic journey and personal growth of their wards.

“Holistic development is not just about schoolwork—it includes emotional support, values formation, and instilling discipline,” Madam Adzanu noted. She urged parents to actively participate in school activities and maintain regular communication with teachers.

Students add their voice

In a compelling speech, the Outgoing Senior Prefect of the school, Master Leslie Delase Atiase, highlighted a pressing concern affecting students—erratic power supply. He called on the government to address the issue as a matter of urgency to enhance the learning environment for all students across the country.

Master Leslie also expressed confidence in the school’s performance in the upcoming 2024/2025 Basic Certificate Examinations (BECE), citing the strong academic foundation and dedication of both students and teachers.

A day of celebration and reflection

The event was attended by a cross-section of parents, teachers, current and past pupils, who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students. Awards were presented to outstanding pupils in various categories, acknowledging their academic excellence and good conduct.

The occasion was not only a celebration of student success but also a call to action for parents to reflect on how their everyday choices and lifestyles influence the total development of their children. As emphasized by all speakers, the home must work hand-in-hand with the school to raise responsible, educated, and well-rounded future leaders.