As the new academic year commenced, the “Wassel Eyalak” (“Take Your Children to School”) campaign garnered notable participation from parents who accompanied their children to school during the initial days of classes. The campaign seeks to reinforce family bonds by encouraging parents to engage with their children through the routine school journey, offering emotional and moral support as students begin a fresh academic term.
From early in the morning on the first day of school, parents were observed accompanying their children, embodying the campaign’s objective to transform the daily commute into a meaningful opportunity for communication, free from everyday distractions. “Wassel Eyalak” aligns with back-to-school initiatives and aims to broaden parental involvement beyond academic oversight to include direct communication, encouragement, and attentive listening.
Experts involved in the campaign highlight that even a brief walk or ride to school can serve as a valuable time for parents and children to connect. Rather than extraordinary gestures, consistency in parental presence and engagement is seen as key to supporting students’ emotional well-being and motivation.
Fahad al-Derham, manager of Mohamed bin Abdulaziz Al Mana Secondary School, underscored the campaign’s educational and social benefits. He described the shared journey to school as an opportunity to deepen parent-child interaction through dialogue and attentive listening. Al-Derham noted that these moments allow parents to discuss the child’s day, address concerns, and offer encouragement, which can positively influence the student’s mindset as they begin their school day.
According to al-Derham, such simple interactions are particularly crucial at the start of the academic year, when students often need guidance to reestablish their study routines and adjust to school life after the holiday break. He emphasized that the campaign’s principles should extend beyond the initial weeks, advocating for sustained dialogue throughout the school year to foster continued parental involvement.
Al-Derham also highlighted the importance of creating an environment where students feel their families genuinely care about their school experiences and provide a safe space for open discussion. This atmosphere, he said, can enhance students’ sense of responsibility, commitment, and attendance, ultimately encouraging them to engage fully with their education. He further stressed that ongoing collaboration between families and schools is essential to support students’ academic progress effectively.