February 3, 2005
NZEI Supports Increased Parental Involvement In Education
NZEI Te Riu Roa, the country’s largest education union, supports the government's announcement of a new information
programme aimed at encouraging parents to get more involved in their children’s education.
"All the evidence shows that children have a more positive attitude to learning and do better at school when their
family is involved and encourages them in their educational efforts,” says NZEI Te Riu Roa National President, Colin
Tarr.
“As well as providing information to parents we hope the government will also look to provide actual support for parents
who need help in assisting their children with their education.” NZEI endorses the appointment of All Black captain,
Tana Umaga, to front the programme in a new role as education ambassador.
“Tana has proven to be a great role model and any initiative that can help focus more public attention on the need for
parents, families and whanau to become more engaged in their children's education has our support," says Colin Tarr.
NZEI hopes the new programme announced today will repeat the success of the "Feed the Mind" campaign which provided
parents things they could do with their children in everyday situations that would help develop the children’s numeracy
and literacy skills.
“The union works successfully with parents through the Parent Teacher Association and we look forward to establishing a
good relationship with Tana and others involved in the new programme, so we can work together to encourage parents to
get more involved in their children’s education,” says Colin Tarr
ENDS