Dr. Anya Malcolm Gibbs Stresses Parental Involvement To Combat Crime & Juvenile Delinquency
At the 2024 Education Symposium held during Education Week, Dr. Anya Malcolm Gibbs, Director of the Department for Special Education Needs Services (DSENS), delivered a compelling keynote address highlighting the pivotal role of parental involvement in addressing crime and juvenile delinquency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Under the theme “Parental Involvement: Building a Stronger Home – School Partnership,” Dr. Malcolm Gibbs emphasized the transformative impact of parental engagement on shaping the educational journey of children and fostering a more holistic society. Drawing from her expertise as a psychologist and mother of three, she underscored that parental involvement not only leaves lasting impressions on children but also plays a crucial role in reducing juvenile delinquency and crime rates.
Citing the concerning trend of youth involvement in crime, Dr. Malcolm Gibbs shared a fictional narrative of a young boy named Ronnie, whose story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early intervention and parental guidance. Through collaboration between teachers and parents, Dr. Malcolm Gibbs highlighted the potential for positive outcomes, even in situations where children may be at risk of straying onto the path of violence.
Emphasizing the non-negotiable responsibility of parents in their children’s upbringing, Dr. Malcolm Gibbs urged parents to prioritize involvement in their child’s education, emphasizing that it is a singular choice they must make for the well-being of their children and the broader community.
Dr. Malcolm Gibbs outlined three pillars for fostering healthy parent-teacher relationships: open communication, empowering parents, and community engagement. She stressed that these partnerships could serve as a catalyst for positive change in the Turks and Caicos Islands, leading to safer and more vibrant communities.
Concluding her address, Dr. Malcolm Gibbs highlighted the urgent need for collective action, asserting that by recognizing their vital role, parents can contribute to a future where youth are not engaged in crime and negative activities. She emphasized that fostering strong relationships between home and school is not only instrumental in enhancing academic achievement but also in building safer communities.
The Education Symposium, held on March 4, 2024, provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and explore strategies for enhancing parental involvement and strengthening the partnership between home and school for the benefit of all children in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
