Forum for Public School Directors in Kyrgyzstan (FORUM) A Collaborative Space for School Directors to Share Knowledge and Best Practices
Meeting Report Summary Session on Creating a Favorable Environment for Learners March 16th, 2024
The sixth session of the FORUM convened online, bringing together 30 participants, including 26 public school directors from various regions of Kyrgyzstan, along with co-conveners and a project coordinator from the Institute of Education. The session was co-chaired by several key figures, focusing on strategies for enhancing Domain 5: School Collaboration with Parents and the Local Community.
Highlights of the Session:
Key Challenges: Director 1 emphasized the crucial role of parents and siblings in shaping a child’s early experiences and imparting initial information. They stressed that the initial reception of a child should be filled with peace and happy smiles to ensure the child feels constant support and security. When parents are unable to provide this initial information, the child may seek to familiarize themselves with their environment, which can potentially lead to a crisis situation.
Strategic Actions: Director 1 highlighted the importance of cooperation between schools, parents, and the local community in helping children make the right choices in their expanding environment. Delays in providing this support can complicate these cooperative efforts. Additionally, the Director underscored the impact of a child’s spiritual environment, shaped by observing artistic, religious, and moral concepts from older generations. This observation influences the child’s actions, which they may accept as duty or rank.
Resource Needs: Director 1 noted the various factors that affect children’s learning, such as unemployment, migrant parents, lack of recreational centers, and the involvement of children in farm work in rural areas. They also mentioned the negative influence of unlimited social media access and community disputes on children.
Task Force Presentations:
Director 2 highlighted several specific challenges faced at work, including the intensification of migration leading to parental neglect, and parental indifference. They pointed out that while some parents may be affectionate towards their children, there is often an incorrect perception of school activities. Compounding these issues is an increase in parents with misguided religious views, with some even involving their children in various religious movements.
Thematic Discussions:
Director 3 adopted the formula “Successful school, interested parents, developed society,” aiming to integrate family and school for the social development of children. They outlined strategies to involve parents in the work of collegiate bodies, create the material and technical base of the school, and organize “Open Door” days. Transparency in the activities of the educational institution was emphasized, with reports on work given at parents’ meetings.
Conclusion and Next Steps:
Director 4 shared the initial challenge of getting to know and work with parents. Shortly after their arrival, they held a meeting to discuss the results of the quarter and introduce their goals, emphasizing the need to act as partners in raising the children properly. However, the prohibition on accepting financial aid from parents has left the school with limited resources, focusing solely on students’ attendance and achievement. Parents place much responsibility on the school while few monitor their children at home.
Reflecting on current assets and needs, Director 4 noted that they have become acquainted with almost 80% of the parents, understanding their wishes, and working with the administration and staff to engage parents. They emphasized the need for community and leadership support, and the importance of raising the status of teachers in society to ensure they are respected by parents and children. The school requires a high level of material and financial provision by the state to improve education and relations between the community, parents, and education workers.
The session concluded with a call for continued collaboration among school directors to tackle the identified challenges and implement the proposed strategies. The emphasis on strengthening school collaboration with parents and the local community. is central to the mission of the FORUM, and ongoing sessions will continue to build on the insights gained from this meeting. The co-lead directors and program coordinator thanked the participants for their contributions and outlined the next steps for future sessions, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing the educational experience in Kyrgyzstan’s public schools.
