Helping parents gain knowledge

PORT Elizabeth’s Early Inspiration initiative is offering a free parenting programme, starting this weekend at the East Cape Training Centre.

The new Siphuhlisa Ulwazi Lwabazali Parent Programme is aimed at parents of children from birth to six years in developing communities and the first workshop will run from 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday at the Spondo Street centre.

Siphuhlisa Ulwazi Lwabazali – the name is isiXhosa for “developing knowledge in parents” – consists of a series of practical workshops which will cover the basic needs of children such as healthy food, clean water, secure shelter and education.

This will be followed by additional workshops on communication, child development and discipline.

“Parents’ self-esteem is at the centre of the programme. Giving them confidence, and the skills to be an empowered parent with knowledge, is valuable to many new and seasoned parents,” said Jessica Baker, who constructed the skills-based programme following research for her masters degree in social work.

The programme builds on Early Inspiration’s work with teachers and early development.

“Giving children a sense of belonging, showing them love and investing in their education solves a lot of social problems, and is an easy way to prevent a child becoming part of something that they shouldn’t,” said Early Inspiration MD and founder Lauren Stretch. “Parents can have confidence in how they bring up their child.”

To take part, parents need to SMS their name to: 082-583 1633 to book their place.

-La Femme Reporter