Abuja: Education stakeholders have called for a healthy balance between academic activities and recreation for children during the long vacation, saying such an approach is essential for their intellectual, social, and personal development. The stakeholders made this call in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders highlighted that while the long vacation provides children with a much-needed break after a demanding academic session, it should also serve as a period for productive learning, skill acquisition, and family bonding. Mrs. Faith Enyigwe, a petty trader and mother of six, emphasized the importance of engaging children in meaningful activities that equip them with practical skills, rather than allowing them to remain idle throughout the holiday.
Mrs. Gladys Ohiwere, a headmistress, underscored that the holiday should not be a time for idleness but an opportunity to enhance academic performance, acquire life skills, and build responsibility. She suggested introducing children to digital skills such as graphic design and AI coding, which could equip them with relevant knowledge from an early age. Ohiwere also advocated for cultivating a reading culture by encouraging children to read storybooks for 20 to 30 minutes daily, which can improve vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension.
Mr. Atomore John, a public servant, advised parents to prioritize adequate rest for children during holidays, rather than overburdening them with academic lessons. He noted that holidays should allow children to recover from the demands of the school term, recommending that 70 percent of the vacation be dedicated to rest, while the remaining 30 percent could focus on learning life skills and engaging in extracurricular activities.
Mrs. Adaoma Kennedy, a teacher and mother of one, suggested enrolling children in Vacation Bible School (VBS) programmes organized by churches, which provide opportunities for learning, socializing, and supervision. Kennedy also encouraged parents involved in farming to expose their children to agricultural activities during the rainy season, as this experience could impart lasting knowledge and skills.