Working in the public sector, either as an employee or through volunteering, has intrinsic value – a meaning and recognition of our desire for the best possible community – working in the public sector is the very glue of society and demonstrates that collective altruism exists. You work to achieve improvement for the most people – something greater than just oneself.
As a mother at Moldeskolen, I have engaged in democracy through parent committees in kindergarten and school. It has been an educational process in meeting many different people and administrative processes that concern all schoolchildren in Molde.
The school regulations are now out for consultation. The rules for how children should experience their school life, what they are obligated to do and what they have a right to. It also outlines how we adults should cooperate to ensure that children have the best possible upbringing. Not least, this lays the groundwork for how we will achieve the caregiving connection between school and leisure, where parents and schools are to collaborate.
What surprises me is that Molde municipality does not recognize the engagement and eagerness to work where it exists.Parents throughout the municipality wish to actively contribute to a better school by joining the community that shapes and equips our hopefuls to become independent citizens of Molde.
Molde municipality has a long tradition of collaborating across school districts – through a municipal parent committee. Here, parents from all parent committees are represented and can discuss common challenges, best practices, development in relation to digitalization and bullying, school absenteeism, etc. Engaged parents meet regularly here, working voluntarily together to improve the conditions for our children’s upbringing. We know that bullying, involuntary school absenteeism, and mental health issues do not only occur at school. Much happens prior to a child no longer being able to attend school. Both at school and in their free time. At school, the public sector has the main responsibility, and in leisure time, it is the parents. And precisely for this reason, because this responsibility is shared and occurs in different arenas, collaboration between us responsible adults is essential. AND we must collaborate at the group level! We must think WE! We are part of a community together with the parents of our children’s friends.We should guide how children can see themselves as part of a community and create good relationships, develop independently, and collaborate with others.
I would therefore urge you,who are decision-makers in our municipality – lift your gaze and see the engagement that exists! Grasp this extended hand from parents and value community work through recognition in the school regulations. I strongly recommend Molde municipality to take care of all the good parental efforts that are here and enshrine municipal parent committees in the school regulations.
Best regards,
Hege Steigedal
Leader of the Molde municipal parent committee (KFU)
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How can communities encourage stronger engagement between parents and schools?
Interview: The Importance of Parental Engagement in Public Education with Hege Steigedal
Editor, Time.news: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Hege Steigedal, the Leader of the Molde Municipal Parent Committee (KFU). Hege, thank you for joining us to discuss the intrinsic value of parental engagement in the public sector and its implications for education.Your insights are crucial for understanding how communities can work together to foster better educational outcomes.Let’s dive in!
Q: Hege, you discuss the unique role that working in the public sector plays in building community. Can you elaborate on this idea?
Hege Steigedal: Certainly! Working in the public sector embodies our collective desire for a better community. It reflects our intrinsic altruism, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of others, especially our children’s. Activities like volunteering in schools or participating in parent committees act as vital glue, binding society together and emphasizing that our efforts are geared towards something greater then ourselves.
Q: you mentioned your personal journey as a parent engaged in democracy through school committees. What did this experience teach you about community involvement?
Hege Steigedal: My experience at Moldeskolen taught me the importance of collaboration and understanding diverse viewpoints. Engaging with various stakeholders,from administrators to fellow parents,opened doors to meaningful conversations about the educational landscape in Molde. These discussions are essential for shaping policies and ensuring that every child has the right and means to thrive in their school surroundings.
Q: In your article, you raised concerns about Molde municipality not recognizing parental involvement. Why do you believe this recognition is crucial?
Hege Steigedal: Recognition is vital because it fosters a culture of collaboration and motivates parents to contribute actively. When the municipality acknowledges and values parental efforts, it encourages a partnership that can greatly benefit children’s educational experiences. Parents possess unique insights into their children’s needs, and leveraging this knowledge can lead to more effective educational practices.
Q: You outlined some crucial topics that municipal parent committees address, such as bullying and school absenteeism. How can increased parental involvement help tackle these issues?
Hege Steigedal: Increased parental involvement can provide a holistic approach to addressing challenges like bullying and absenteeism. When parents participate in discussions, we create a platform to share experiences and strategies that extend beyond the classroom. It’s about building a support network that engages both school staff and parents, ensuring we are all aligned in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Q: What practical advice would you offer other communities looking to enhance parental engagement in their schools?
Hege Steigedal: I reccommend establishing municipal parent committees similar to ours in Molde. These committees serve as vital channels for parents to voice concerns, share best practices, and collaborate on common challenges.Additionally,it’s crucial for decision-makers to listen and involve parents in shaping school regulations. Recognizing and formalizing this partnership significantly enhances the overall educational experience.
Q: what message would you like to share with decision-makers in municipalities regarding parental involvement in education?
Hege Steigedal: I urge decision-makers to lift their gaze and acknowledge the eagerness of parents to contribute. Embrace this extended hand,and value community work by integrating municipal parent committees into formal policies.Recognizing and investing in parental engagement is not just about education; it’s about nurturing the future citizens of our communities.
Editor, Time.news: Thank you, Hege, for sharing your insights today. Your passion for enhancing educational experiences through community collaboration is both inspiring and essential for the future of our schools.