Last Friday’s release of both primary and O’Level examination results has, as always, ignited public excitement, but also anxiety, especially among students who have had to wait for the whole weekend before they know their results.

A keen look at the general performance shows that rural schools outperformed their urban counterparts, with just a few Kigali-based schools featuring among the best.

While the debate about the quality of graduates from our institutions continues, the testimonies from some of the best students show that parents played a key part in their success. This should serve as a reminder about parents’ critical role in their children’s chances to excel- not only academically, but in life as well.

Parents should not blame the teachers for poor performance, they too are responsible for the how their children perform.

Parents need to ensure proper child upbringing by supporting them right from day one in school throughout their academic life.

With the youth facing various challenges such as drug abuse, early pregnancies and HIV/AIDS, it is  important that parents step up to ensure that their children’s’ lives do not go to waste.
 
If parents closely monitor, guide and interact with their children, there is no doubt that they will not only stand a better chance of performing well in school, but will also turn out to be responsible citizens with a bright future. 
 
Availing time for children is a parent’s responsibility that should not be compromised.

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