Joint meeting of parent associations in Reykjavík
Representatives from parent associations throughout Reykjavík came together in May for a joint meeting where the goal was to share and exchange good ideas about parent cooperation. The meeting served as a forum for education, dialogue and networking – and most importantly, inspiration for continued work.
Challenge of getting parents to cooperate
Participants shared a common experience: all parent associations struggle with the challenge of how to get more parents involved in this important cooperation.
Home and School described their work and emphasized the importance of strengthening connections between homes and schools. Bridge builders reviewed their important work supporting multilingual parents and educating them about Iceland's school system and the unwritten social rules that are helpful to know when families have children in Icelandic primary schools. In this way, bridge builders work to build connections between families and staff at Reykjavík City's Department of Education & Youth.
Stay Smart this summer
Soffía Pálsdóttir presented the prevention project Stay Smart, which Reykjavík City is launching. The project aims to increase community awareness about the importance of prevention and encourage parents to be conscious of their responsibility – which extends to their children up to age 18, including during the summer months.
Flotinn (The Fleet) and the Responses to Racism project
Hjörleifur Steinn Þórisson presented the work of The Fleet, a mobile youth center that provides outreach work throughout the city outside traditional operating hours. The Fleet staff visit places where teenagers gather and work to strengthen protective factors and reduce risky behavior.
Saga Stephensen and Dagbjört Ásbjörnsdóttir presented the Responses to Racism project, which is now being introduced in schools. The project is based on procedures developed with preschool and primary school staff and aims to ensure that racist incidents are always addressed – taking into account children's age and development.
The meeting featured open presentations with ongoing conversation and discussion throughout. The atmosphere was very positive, and at the end, representatives expressed satisfaction with the evening and decided to hold workshops this fall and continue the work.