Comments on: Churches need to educate our youth

By: deafgurl

deafgurl — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:18:35 +0000

I wished there was a way to teach kids to be responsible parents. It sad that some won't even feed their kids. School should teach them their duty as a parents if they ever become parents, because obviously they are losing their common sense.

By: Percy Kution

Percy Kution — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:16:32 +0000

Any parent(s) that send their poor little children to a Roanoke City Public School IF they have ANY other alternative whatsoever should be charged with child abuse, because that's EXACTLY what it is. I feel so very, very sorry for any little child in a Roanoke City Public School.

By: Purvis Ledbetter

Purvis Ledbetter — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:38:20 +0000

As the spouse of a teacher at one of Roanoke City's title one schools, where over 75% of it's students qualify for free or reduced meals, I hear all sorts of horror stories from my wife about her students and thier home lives, or lack thereof. I also hear form her about what kinds of discipline problems she has with these same students, most of whom have little or no structure outside of school. Many of her students admit the only reason they even bother to come to school is for the two hot meals a day they recieve. On weekends, they say they get little or nothing to eat. Unfortunately, if the parents of these children can't/won't provide for them, then it falls to local churches, local community groups as well as social services, to attempt to provide them with thier very basic needs, as well as positive role models to follow. Mission outreach is something all churches should be doing, right in thier local community. As always, there is no easy answer, but knowingly letting children slip through the cracks is no answer at all.

By: laura

laura — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:32:58 +0000

It's not just the responsibility of minority churches to support families, but all faith communities, whether they be Christian, Muslim, Jewish or whatever belief. It is up to all of us as part of those faith communities to educate our kids, families and individuals on our faiths, moral codes, and responsibilities. Churches like Trinity and West End United Methodist that have the neighborhood outreaches to keep the kids off the streets while their parents are working 2 or 3 jobs to keep food on the table and a roof over the family and St. Mark's Methodist in Daleville with it's homework tutoring program are only a start. But when kids get no discipline at home and have no hope of getting out of school with a degree because Mommy & Daddy don't have one, how can we expect the kids to do any better? We ALL have to take action, no matter what God we believe (or don't believe in), but we have to educate the parents and kids and do so together within the communities we live in and not expect the goverment to bail us out at every sign of failure. By coming together as communities, more things get done productively and in a better way than waiting for bottom of the barrel handouts of someone else's leftovers.

By: Dona Wheeler

Dona Wheeler — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:45:25 +0000

Why is it in our society, the thought exist that someone else is responsible for raising our children, other than parents who brought said child into this world? Yes, issues like divorce, health issues, ,finances, death, and unruly kids/or parents, change that landscape, but issuing a summons for the church to be responsible, is just not right in my book. When someone is backed in a cornor, they might react, but not always in the expected/desired way. In the best of all worlds, our children should be safe in their home, insulated against the negativity, that can be in the world, and taught the tools that one needs to have a happy, sucessful life, including, emotional values. And that as I see it starts in the home, and shored up in the school system. But that is not done far too often, and spiritual beleifs are of upmost importance.
importance: it does take a village. A society of well intentioned, careing adults, mentors, of all healthy influences, reality based, as always with love as it's basis.

By: Hard Working Mom

Hard Working Mom — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:01:18 +0000

HCS-

I couldn't agree more on your comments, especially the quotation. I just feel strongly we've got to stop just giving, and substitute with assistance coupled with some motivation...motivation to improve one's lot. We can't continue on this current path. Thanks for your thoughts.

By: HCS

HCS — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:42:55 +0000

Hard Working Mom - I think you make an excellent point. Programs that assist the less fortunate I think are absolutely essential. Some people really do need these things to get by and to get on their feet. Now, some will have a harder time than others actually getting on their feet whether that be because of mounting difficulties they face or they simply begin to rely and become comfortable relying on these programs. I think that a person/family that receives special assistance should be required to take some sort of a course offering related tips to better themselves. For example, I just did some volunteer work by doing some much needed home improvement work on a house. the homeowners should have to go to a one-day type of homeowner's course for tips about maintaining their home or tips for saving money, avoiding bad loans etc. but to my knowledge many of these assistance type programs give services but no education.

"Give a man a fish and you've fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

By: Hard Working Mom

Hard Working Mom — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:34:30 +0000

My church is among those listed in the article, and my family and I have donated to the effort. One thing that bothers me, though, is the request for juice boxes. While volunteering in one of the schools participating in this program, I've noticed the number of kids receiving these snacks are overweight and out of shape. Obesity is becoming epidemic in this country, and we are told the first thing to cut out is liquid calories. The juices actually have a really low nutritional value and provide a ton of calories. They are also quite expensive. I think our community's children would be better served by water.

My other thought in participating in this program is the thought that no one is going to feed this child over the weekend. Don't get me wrong- that may happen. I am just asking the question and truly seeking some sort of answer- who fed this child for the first six years of his/her life? Who feeds this child during the summer? And do our parents have any sort of responsibility left in raising a child? Our schools transport them, teach them and feed them. A lot of schools provide clothing as well. Our churches and community organizations provide a multitude of services. Our federal government provides housing, food stamps, etc. I would really like to know...where are our parents and what exactly is THEIR responsibility here? We absolutely need to help people up, but the person in need has to help, too, or things are never going to change. We will keep repeating this cycle. I want to help, but I am at a loss at how we as a community, and nation, make people want to help themselves.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:39:25 +0000

LRS is right on. Very well written piece with some real good thoughts.

By: LRS

LRS — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:34:33 +0000

It's another excellent article, Shanna. You're at your best when you serve as a more or less gentle prod for Roanoke citizens who need it.

Can churches help in getting parents more involved in the education of their children?

Golly, I hope so. Even if to just be cheerleaders for their children.--s