The Family Group Foundation has launched nationwide parent engagement forums aimed at strengthening collaboration between families, schools and the Foundation in promoting the well-being of high school students under its Tufuzu na Elimu High School Programme.
The initiative will see the Foundation engage more than 600 parents and guardians across 16 counties this month as it seeks to build stronger support systems for over 970 learners currently benefiting from the education programme.
The forums come amid growing concerns over student discipline, mental health challenges and school safety, highlighting the need for closer partnerships between parents, educators and communities in supporting learners’ academic, social and emotional development.
Speaking during a parents’ meeting in Nakuru, Family Group Foundation Executive Director John Waimiri said education support must go beyond payment of school fees and provision of learning materials.
“Supporting a child’s education goes beyond paying school fees or providing learning materials. Young people today face social, emotional and behavioural challenges that require parents, schools and communities to work together,” Waimiri said.
He added that the forums are designed to strengthen partnerships and ensure learners have the support systems needed to succeed both in school and in life.
“Parents remain central to the success of every beneficiary. By bringing parents, schools and the Foundation together, we are championing a co-parenting approach that positions parents as active partners in the educational journey of their children,” he said.
Through the engagement forums, parents and guardians will discuss key issues affecting students, including emotional well-being, peer influence, academic performance, personal development and positive behaviour.
The Foundation said the initiative will provide a platform for dialogue and shared responsibility, enabling stakeholders to identify challenges affecting learners and develop solutions that promote a safer and more supportive learning environment.
The Tufuzu na Elimu High School Programme continues to support students by providing educational assistance while encouraging holistic development through stronger family and school partnerships.