Parents for democracy - SHS initiative offers mums and dads walkabout in Houses of Parliament
Published: 04 February 2011
by JOSH LOEB
SCHOOL trips are normally occasions for the pupils, but this week it was their mothers and fathers who enjoyed a well-earned day out as part of an initiative by the charity School Home Service (SHS).
Parents of children at St Gabriel’s Church of England Primary in Pimlico went for a walkabout inside the Houses of Parliament and to learn more about the workings of democracy.
Despite world famous attractions like the Palace of Westminster being virtually on their doorsteps, some of the parents have not had the opportunity to experience them.
Parent Pauline Defreitas, who has two children at St Gabriel’s, said: “I’ve lived in Pimlico for seven years and I’ve always wanted to go inside Parliament.
“I pass this building all the time. You always say you’ll go but you never do.”
Anna Francis, a school support worker for SHS, said: “As a charity which links home and school we hope to be doing more of these kinds of events so as to empower parents to access the local services and help them to get to know each other.”