UNESCO champions the principle that no child should be left behind – every child deserves access to quality education regardless of gender and circumstances. As we celebrate International Education Day on 24 January and conversations around education equity continue, my story is a testament to the impact of parental support when it comes to education.
Back in the day, both my parents worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Despite our daily struggles, my parents repeatedly emphasised the importance of education and strongly believed that education has the power to change one’s fate and life. They ensured that all their children received fundamental education and were literate, regardless of gender. They were also actively involved in our schooling by attending parent-teacher meetings, report card days, sports days, and other events.
Their motivation helped us navigate both successes and setbacks, encouraging us to pursue our passions. My elder sisters went on to explore opportunities that led to independent lives, my younger sister now works in the Human Resources department of a multinational company, and I, an educator in Malaysia, teach local and international students – encouraging them, especially women, to pursue higher education despite societal barriers. Together, our journeys are proof that education can break cycles of poverty.
My brief story highlights how parental involvement plays a crucial role in a child’s education. Parents can provide cognitive support by establishing daily routines and engaging in discussions about future planning and academic challenges, thereby fostering a comprehensive approach to supporting their children’s educational journeys. By identifying their children’s learning patterns, parents can provide tailored support and appropriate educational resources.
Having unwavering parental support lays the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and confidence. Additionally, instilling values such as teamwork and empathy in children while they are still young is crucial in their developmental years. For example, encouraging children to participate in activities within the classroom and school, and also attending community activities as a family makes a difference when done together. Parental support not only supports academic achievement but also promotes social-emotional well-being, empowering children to navigate challenges and pursue their aspirations with determination.
This is especially in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), whereby children from Gen Z and Gen Alpha are growing up immersed with digital technology and social media. As a result, their world views are increasingly influenced by the content they consume online. Therefore, parents must educate them on the safe and responsible use of these tools and actively monitor their online activities. Simultaneously, this involvement fosters better communication, respect, and understanding between children and adults.
Furthermore, instead of solely relying on the school and teachers, parents can plan engaging outdoor activities such as visits to educational and historical sites, and involve their children in nature-related experiences, such as hiking, camping and gardening. They can also encourage non-device hobbies such as reading, building blocks, or even cooking. Parents need to communicate with their children about their interests and daily experiences, ensuring discipline is applied with intention and clarity.
Recognising parents’ vital role, the government introduced the Education Amendment Bill 2025, submitted by the Ministry of Education (MOE), which holds parents legally responsible for ensuring that their Malaysian citizen children, regardless of gender, are enrolled and attend school throughout primary and secondary education. This legislation underscores the importance of parental support as a cornerstone in shaping a brighter future for all children and as we pursue education for all.
We must recognise that parental involvement in education has the power not only change individual lives, but to uplift the entire community. My own journey stands as an example. Today, I have taught, supervised, and mentored many undergraduate students, some of whom have chosen to pursue postgraduate studies, while others have started small businesses that contribute to our local economy. Education creates a ripple effect; what my parents did for me, I am able to pass on. Imagine how far this impact could extend if every parent were involved in their children’s education, where one child’s success inspires others to dream bigger, strengthens our community and proves that access to quality education can be a catalyst for social and economic development.
Dr Viji Ramamuruthy is a lecturer at the School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University, Malaysia.