EDUCATION Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson yesterday launched Parent Month 2005 at her Kingston office, saying it was the ministry’s way of acknowledging those parents who continue to make a meaningful contribution to the Jamaican society.

“This month is to celebrate the personal sacrifices of parents who strive to make their children well-adjusted citizens to make the country better,” the minister said. “You provide a valuable service.”

The minister added, however, that more parents need to play a more integral role in their children’s lives to reduce the blame that is collectively heaped on parents for the delinquency of the youth.

“Parenting is an overwhelming responsibility that more mothers and fathers need to take it more seriously,” Henry-Wilson said.

She told reporters that the National Coalition for Better Parenting, spearheaded by Doret Crawford, will during the month be offering counselling services to parents to help them through their “maze of responsibilities”.

At the same time, she announced that the National Parent Teachers’ Association (NPTA) will be established by mid-2006, to forge a stronger bond between parents and teachers.

“We hope that the National PTA will help to unite the school and home families to help the children realise their full potential,” the minister said.

Under the theme “Effective Parenting: Key to Stronger Families, Safer Schools and Communities”, the month-long activities will commence on Sunday with a church service at the William Knibb Baptist Church in Trelawny.

The activities will conclude on November 27, with a parents awards function at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, for parents who have contributed to their children’s education.

Parent Month 2005 is endorsed by Grace Kennedy and Company Limited, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Coalition for Better Parenting and the Safe Schools Programme.