CHILD Link Inc. in collaboration with the European Union Delegation held a one-day family conference at Banks DIH Thirst Park, Georgetown, last Saturday. The activity saw a large turnout of both parents and students, and a packed programme was organised.

Ms. Kean Chase, Project Officer of Child Link Inc. said on Friday that the entity had permission from the Ministry of Education and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) to hold the project, which was done in five schools.
She said that in the Parent Skills Education (PSC) component of the conference, 95 parents graduated on Friday, and 20 students from five schools contributed via songs and dances. Ms. Chase added that the HUG project, which was started in 2008, has counsellors in five primary schools, namely West Ruimveldt, Eccles, Ketley, Agricola and St. Ann’s, and those were brought together for one event along with the parents.
She explained that, in the five schools, counselling and parenting work was done for six weeks, and various topics were discussed.
Ms. Chase said feedback was a feature of the day on Friday, as students and parents related to the gathering how they benefited from the project.
She noted that games were also played in demonstrating to parents that, once there is an “open area”, children will play, and bonding can occur in the parent/child relationship.
Ms. Chase said 92 parents benefited from the programme, and the response was excellent, with 20 children participating in the planned agenda on Friday.
She said the five-year project is coming to an end, but programme officials have seen marked improvement, especially from children in domestic violence situations and those suffering from low-self esteem and that sort of thing. She said that not only are the children making an amazing turn around in their lives, but teachers and parents are doing so as well.
Ms. Chase said the entity is hoping to expand on work in other schools in future, and the event was planned on Friday for the participants to share their experiences.