Get involved - Fathers urged to be more active in their children's lives

President of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ), Lennon Richards, is imploring fathers to become more involved in the academic lives of their children.

"I am calling on the men of Jamaica to be involved in the education system, more so with their children. It is very bad that almost all Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings and functions I have gone to, I have seen very few men," he said.

Richards, who was speaking at the National Parenting Support Commission's (NPSC) National Parent Awards ceremony at the Montego Bay Riu Hotel in St James recently, said it is unacceptable for fathers to take a laid-back approach to the academic development of their children, leaving mothers to shoulder that responsibility.

"Men, we have a responsibility, we have our roles. We have to protect the human capital of tomorrow and we have to be a part of that influence, because it is the children who will certainly make this country great," he added.

The NPTAJ president further implored parents to look out for children other than their own.

"It takes a village to raise a child. That saying still remains true today. We must look out for other children, especially those facing challenges," he said.

The National Parent Awards ceremony recognised parents from across the island who contribute to the education sector through PTAs and other means.