THE EDU-P HANGOUT 2O25 HIGHLIGHTS

27th December, the last Saturday of the year, 2025, is absolutely a day to always be remembered. The Educators and Parents Hangout by EDU-P and ISTDAN took place in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria. This convergence of teachers and parents from different professions and walks of life was a celebration of the synergy between teachers and parents in the upbringing of a wholesome child.

Commencing with a meet and greet segment, the barrier and hierarchy were broken as both teachers, doctors, lawyers, bankers and various professionals mingled with a joyful spirit as they formed new relationships with one another. It was such a beautiful sight.

Next, the program organiser for the 2025 EDU-P/ISTDAN Hangout and founder of the EDU-P platforms, Blessing Epum, gave the Opening address. She appreciated everyone for taking the time to come together, especially those who attended previous hangouts in past years. Noteworthy during her address was her charge to both parents and educators to continue working together and never be at loggerheads because their common goal and priority is the "child." Quoting a famous proverb, "when two elephants are fighting, it is the ground that suffers," Blessing Epum, went further in her speech to emphasise that it is the child who suffers from a sour relationship between parents and teachers; hence, collaboration is key in raising a total child. Certainly, her purposeful speech ended with a rousing ovation from the listeners.

Now, it was time to get into the real business of the Hangout, which included various talks by presenters from various fields and occupations. Mr Emmanuel, an IT expert, talked about Effective Parenting in the Age of AI and why parents must stay up to date to meet the intellectual demands of their children. Mrs Blessing Oseh, a financial and investment adviser, enlightened parents on savings and investment plans, emphasising why storing all your money at the bank isn't the best financial decision for a secure future. Then, we had Dr Pat give an insightful talk on screen time and eye protection for children. She recommended blue light eye protection glasses for all children because this generation has been tailored to screens and while instilling screen time rules is good, this may prove abortive in many circumstances, especially at home.

Participants were excited and really pleased with the valuable information they got from all the presenters. The fantastic and eloquent moderator of the event, Christie Mfon, then solicited feedback from the audience, and the responses were truly amazing as many were eager to share their takeaways.

The event was already at its peak, but this was not all; the next segment was unleashed, and here several short videos were to be viewed, and the main ideas discussed. It seemed like this segment would never come to an end as loads of ideas and contributions kept pouring in. The takeaways shared from the three different videos include:

1. Parents trusting themselves to raise their children effectively and also instilling discipline in the use of screentime.

2. Parents and teachers should promote gender equity and encourage children to choose any career path or sport of interest, irrespective of gender.

3. Teaching soft skills to children, like "Showing kindness," is key because children should learn that the kindness they show today will definitely come back tomorrow.

Worthy of mention is the beautiful time we had with the children as well. They happily played on the merry-go-round and swings at the playground. It was really exciting for them! They also had colouring activities to keep their hands busy and develop their fine motor skills as their parents got engaged in meaningful discussions during the hangout.

It was such an amazing hangout, and it seemed time would never be enough, but we had to take the closing prayer. It ended with so much joy and laughter.

Then it was time for pictures and refreshments. What a beautiful hangout it was.

See you in 2026!