Unit 3 Discussion Forum: Strengthening School-Community Partnerships

A school can not perform well in the absence of the stakeholders. When I first arrived on postings in my present school, I paid a courtesy call on the village elders through an escort of some of the SMC members. Upon arriving in their compounds with kolanuts, they felt honoured whereas the youths were also served mint to show them our presence in their community which I further lamented on their support towards the school. Their leader immediately  organised them to embark on cleansing exercise which went successfully.
We organised a capacity building for the SMC and Mothers Club in order for them to know their Terms of References. We again engaged  the ex-students to support the school as well as parents that has the purchasing power to give aid to the school where necessary.
Challenges that we  experience are:
1. Limited resources though the SIG is playing a vital role.
2. Getting all parents for a PTA meeting in certain times of the year, especially during farm works.
3. Getting some of the prominent people in the village in certain activities.
Some of the strategies we normally use are:
!. Open days where many will come.
2. Cultural dances in school where we will send any messages at hand prior to the start of the program.
3. The school also partnered with the madarassa in order to have assistance from their proprietor.