The International Parents Alliance‘s Parent Summit 2024 is now behind us. What was it like for those who took part in it? How did they feel? Keep reading, and find out!

The Parent Summit – a unique opportunity

“Almost 5,000 kilometers from Tbilisi, the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa wrote one day in his poem ‘”Mar Português (1934)”, ‘God wills, man dreams, and the work progress’. This perfectly reflects the appearance of Mzianeti (Sun City), the work built by Shalva Amonashvili to celebrate the importance of Humane Pedagogy in building a better world for all children.

That’s where the Parents Alliance’ Parent Summit 2024 was held, in a paradisiacal setting with stunning scenery. The event provided a unique space for socializing, exchanging, and sharing knowledge for three intense days. Parents, professional educators, and experts met to discuss parenting support strategies and best practices to promote families’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. The engaging environment offered the perfect setting for moments of relaxation and interaction, allowing participants to share their experiences in a deeper and more personal way. A unique opportunity to strengthen the bonds of the parenting community, boost collaboration, and inspire new ideas that can help us to transform our day-to-day parenting work.”

(H.C.)

The Parent Summit – in poetry!

Challenged was I to write about our stay
In lovely Georgia where we found the way
To meet the friends we had and new to find,
To talk and note and leave some work behind,
To drink and eat, be merry, dance and love,
To watch the sky, the hills all blue above,
To think of new and old, remember, share.
Oh friend, we wish you also had been there!

(J.H.)

The Parent Summit – A Great Inspiration

The “IPA Parent Summit” was a great inspiration! At this year’s conference, a great deal of good experience, good tools and new skills were shared. I got to know new committed and knowledgeable people and I was inspired by meeting them. The hosts in Georgia received us in a very good way and they did everything they could to make us feel welcome! We got a lot of good Georgian food and wine, and we got to know a very exciting culture and an exciting country! I’m already dreaming of going back to Georgia! And I look forward to the next “IPA Parent Summit”! Perhaps it will be held in Africa or the Middle East!

(C.H.)

A waterdrop with wings

How to expect that you don’t have to go it alone when that’s all you know? It’s not a bad thing it’s a sign of strength and resilience, but how do you accept the hand that offers you to fly away to pursue your dreams and how do you admit that this is what you need when you have climbed up your own throne of strength and independence?

I cat tell you how…By witnessing the strength and bliss of Unity from people from unexpected corners of the world from unexpected people at your job from unexpected creatures that come to you as if to show you that love is all around you.

Seeing these people in their highest form of integrity towards their work towards their mission towards a better world while going through their own journey one between the Flower of life to the Tear for the loss of a dear one.

It was truly honourable to be part of such a group of people, what an overwhelming humble pride to have been a part of it and to be working amongst some of them!

For me it was an opportunity to experience what I had forgotten…There are great people out there and they are everywhere around us and sometimes in disguise and we just need to open the door or walk through the one they open for you.

The air was dry and the vodka was stingy but the kindness of the others was in abundance!

We laughed we cried, we learned and shared and it was all in the name of uplifting each other, creating better us and spreading that love with those around us. 

I’m going to leave it here and I send my deepest gratitude to those that made this Parent Summit a magical experience for me.

Thank you!

♥

(E.A.)

Curious to know more? check out “Mountains and Starry Skies” and “The International Parents Alliance’ Parent Summit 2024 – Two inspiring days of joy exploring education“

Teacher Training in Kazakhstan: Building Stronger Partnerships

In late October 2024, we delivered a week-long teacher training in Kazakhstan focused on parental engagement, trauma-conscious education, and conflict-management tools for the classroom. We worked in Astana with more than one hundred professional educators and school leaders from Binom Schools, our valued partners in Kazakhstan’s rapidly developing education landscape.

A week of learning with our partners

The programme followed the Parent Summit and continued the conversation on school–family partnerships with practical, classroom-ready methods. Our trainers collaborated closely with professional educators from Binom Schools across a full week of workshops, reflection, and peer exchange. From the opening session, participants brought energy, curiosity, and a clear commitment to professional growth. The week evolved beyond a standard course into a sustained learning community with a shared purpose.

Kazakhstan’s growing education landscape

Kazakhstan is scaling up its education system to meet increasing demand, with plans to open 500 new schools over the next decade. Binom Schools exemplify this ambition by combining high standards with innovative pedagogy. The invitation to conduct this training reflected a joint commitment: Parents International contributed research-based content and facilitation; Binom Schools, as our partners, mobilised their teams and resources to ensure a meaningful, high-impact experience. Kazakh hospitality—local cuisine and the traditional Tashkent tea—framed the professional work in a spirit of openness and respect.

Parental Engagement, Trauma-Conscious Practice, and Conflict Management

Parental engagement at the core

We placed parental engagement at the centre of the week. Our trainers clarified the difference between parental involvement (attendance and presence) and engagement (active partnership in learning). Professional educators analysed their current practices, identified strategies that genuinely build trust, and redesigned activities to create two-way communication with families. Reflection on professional identity, values, and language helped participants recognise how small shifts—clearer invitations, purposeful agendas, and feedback loops—can transform relationships with parents.

Trauma-conscious education: safer, calmer classrooms

We dedicated substantial time to trauma-conscious education. Our trainers connected core neuroscience with daily classroom realities to show how stress and trauma affect attention, memory, and behaviour. Participants explored routines and micro-interventions that create predictability and calm. They practised responses that help distressed pupils feel seen and safe, and they considered how whole-school approaches—consistent language, de-escalation norms, and supportive adult modelling—reinforce stability for every child.

Conflict management for professional educators

Conflict is part of school life. We approached conflict management for professional educators as a teachable skill set grounded in emotional self-regulation. Through role-plays and guided practice, participants tested de-escalation techniques, refined active-listening skills, and developed personal stress-management plans. Many noted a shift in perspective: they began to view difficult conversations with parents or pupils as opportunities to model empathy, boundaries, and collaborative problem-solving.

Interactive methods and immediate application

Throughout the week, our trainers used experiential learning methods—gallery walks, peer coaching, and role-play—to mirror the kind of climate we want to see in classrooms: structured, collaborative, and empowering. Professional educators generated practical tools they could implement immediately: redesigned parent-meeting formats, engagement trackers, trauma-sensitive routines, and conflict-response checklists aligned with school policies. The format ensured that new ideas were stress-tested against everyday realities.

Cultural Exchange, Outcomes, and Future Collaboration

The programme combined professional depth with cultural exchange. Participants introduced our team to Astana’s landmarks, including the iconic mosque and modern monuments that symbolise Kazakhstan’s blend of tradition and innovation. These shared moments reinforced a simple truth: effective professional development rests on mutual respect, curiosity, and the recognition that people—not just methods—change schools.

Outcomes and the road ahead

By week’s end, participants reported greater confidence in engaging parents, more clarity on trauma-sensitive practice, and stronger readiness to handle conflict constructively. Feedback highlighted the direct applicability of tools and the value of peer learning across schools. Parents International and Binom Schools are already discussing next steps for 2025, with the aim of deepening this collaboration and extending the training model to additional school communities.

International Parents Alliance Teacher Training: participants’ feedback

Participant Feedback 1: “This training offered a balanced approach to engaging with parents, students, and colleagues, underscoring the importance of collaboration in the educational process. The practical exercises provided were easy to understand and full of valuable insights I can immediately apply in my work. I found the guidance on managing stress in conflict situations especially helpful and the new strategies for strengthening relationships with parents. The opportunity to share experiences with colleagues and learn from different perspectives enriched the training”.

Participant Feedback 2: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend such an impactful training! The practical information provided has added significantly to my methodological toolkit, and I am confident it will make my work more effective. I appreciated the emphasis on parental involvement and the importance of balancing relationships between parents, students, and teachers. The seminar was engaging and inspiring. To build on this experience, it would be helpful if the methods presented were available in electronic or written formats for future reference. I found this training invaluable and hope similar opportunities are extended to other networks for wider benefit”.

Parents International Teacher Training: how about you?

For those interested in exploring similar training opportunities, Parents International offers a range of training programs designed for both parents and educators. These sessions provide valuable tools for enhancing parental engagement and creating trauma-conscious learning environments. Learn more about our IPA Training Offer for Parents and Educators or contact us at [email protected]

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“Mountains and Starry Skies,” brings together the memories, impressions, and eye-opening experiences from my time at the International Parents Alliance (IPA) Parent Summit. It’s not just a recap; it’s a personal journey from the heart exploring all that IPA training and the IPA community stand for, with fresh eyes.

This year, I had the privilege of attending the International Parents Alliance (IPA) Parent Summit for the first time, and let me tell you, it was an experience I won’t soon forget. Hosted in Busheti, Georgia, against the backdrop of the towering Caucasus mountains, the Parent Summit was a mix of learning, laughter, deep conversations, and moments of pure inspiration.

A Warm Welcome and Connections That Run Deep in IPA Training

The journey began with an overwhelming sense of warmth and connection as we arrived at the Amonashvili Estate. The Georgian hospitality was incredible—from the thick, hearty bread shared at dinner to the smiles and welcoming words from the locals and Summit attendees alike. As someone relatively new to IPA training, I was a bit nervous initially, but the shared passion for children’s well-being and education was immediately clear, and it brought us all together like a family.

Walking through Tbilisi with other attendees, sharing moments over coffee, or just admiring the stunning Georgian scenery, I realised that this Summit wasn’t only about professional growth. It was also about forming genuine connections with parents and professional educators who believe in creating supportive, inclusive spaces for our kids to thrive. By the time we got down to the first IPA training workshops, I already felt like I was among friends.

Hands-On Learning in IPA Training: From Theory to Real-Life Solutions

One of the most powerful parts of the Summit was the hands-on IPA training workshops. They weren’t just presentations; these sessions were intense, interactive, and very practical. We tackled some of the most pressing issues facing parents and professional educators today, and every participant had the chance to bring their own experiences to the table. Topics like trauma-informed approaches, inclusion, and digital resilience weren’t just talked about in abstract terms; we got real-life tools and solutions to take home with us.

The IPA training sessions were packed with ideas that I could immediately see applying in real life. They left a big impression on me. Led by experts and informed by research, it gave me an entirely new perspective on how parents and professional educators can support children, making sure that every child, no matter their background or learning style, feels included and understood. I left with a notebook full of practical tips, insights, and strategies, but more importantly, I left with a renewed sense of purpose.

Building Bridges Between Parents and Professional Educators with IPA Training

A key takeaway from the Summit was just how important it is for parents and professional educators to work together. There was a beautiful session on parental engagement and advocacy where we explored the challenges and opportunities for building stronger bridges between families and schools. One thing that stood out to me was the sheer importance of understanding and supporting each other’s roles. We talked about how parental involvement can make a difference in a child’s learning experience and, on the flip side, how schools can better welcome parents into the educational journey.

Continuing the Journey with IPA Training

As the Summit wrapped up, I knew this was only the beginning of my journey with IPA training. We offer an incredible selection of training programmes for both parents and professional educators, covering everything from trauma-informed teaching to digital resilience. These programmes take what we touched on at the Summit and go even deeper, offering a way for us to keep learning, growing, and making an impact.

For anyone inspired by the Summit or looking to make a difference, IPA training is the next step, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications with hands-on, practical courses.

If you’re passionate about supporting kids, advocating for parental engagement, combating cyberbullying, or creating a healthier, more inclusive environment, check out the IPA training page and see how you can keep building your skills.

Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue in modern education, and research highlights how adult behaviour can significantly influence children’s engagement in such activities. Project PARTICIPATE, a European EU-funded project, is dedicated to understanding these dynamics, with recent insights shared at the International Parents Alliance Parent Summit 2024. Doctoral candidate Luca Laszlo presented her research on the Impact of Adult Behaviour on Cyberbullying, underscoring the vital role parents and professional educators play in preventing these behaviours. This article delves into the findings from Project PARTICIPATE and discusses how adult actions can shape children’s online behaviours.

Understanding Project PARTICIPATE: Addressing Cyberbullying at Its Roots

Project PARTICIPATE is a leading research initiative focused on creating inclusive educational settings by addressing social dynamics that affect students’ well-being, including cyberbullying. This project explores the influence of adults on children’s behavior, recognizing that students’ interactions and experiences within educational environments can either prevent or perpetuate cyberbullying.

Through research and practical interventions, Project PARTICIPATE helps professional educators, parents, and policymakers better understand how to foster positive environments. This understanding is crucial in combating cyberbullying, as children often mimic the behaviours they observe in adults, especially those in authority. By addressing the root causes of negative behaviours, Project PARTICIPATE aims to foster an inclusive culture that prevents bullying and supports all students.

The International Parents Alliance Summit 2024: A Global Call to Action

The International Parents Alliance (IPA) Summit is a global platform that unites parents, professional educators, and advocates to tackle educational challenges and promote inclusive education. The 2024 Summit focused on parental involvement and its impact on issues like cyberbullying. Doctoral candidate Luca Laszlo, representing Project PARTICIPATE, presented her research, which shows that adult behaviour plays a significant role in influencing children’s likelihood to engage in cyberbullying.

Laszlo’s findings emphasize the connection between adult authority figures’ behaviours and children’s actions, revealing that children exposed to bullying behaviours from adults may replicate these behaviours online. Her presentation underscored the importance of positive parental involvement and community engagement in creating supportive environments that discourage bullying.

The Impact of Adult Behaviour on Cyberbullying in Children: A Growing Concern

Laszlo’s research at the Summit shed light on the disturbing connection between adult bullying and children’s cyberbullying tendencies. Her scoping review of 88 studies, spanning diverse cultures, shows that children often model the behaviors they witness, particularly from influential adults like parents, teachers, and coaches. When children experience bullying or observe aggressive behavior from adults, they may internalize these actions, increasing the likelihood of becoming cyberbullies themselves.

This research highlights the importance of adult role models in preventing negative behaviour patterns. By addressing the Impact of Adult Behaviour on Cyberbullying, professional educators and parents alike can work toward solutions that promote healthy, respectful online interactions among students. This underscores the role of parental involvement in modeling positive behaviour to prevent bullying and create a safer digital space for students.

Collaborative Solutions for a Cyberbullying-Free Education

Project PARTICIPATE is one of many project supported by International Parents Alliance with the purpose to create meaningful solutions that address the underlying causes of cyberbullying. With the insights from Luca Laszlo’s research, these organizations emphasize the need for community-wide involvement to reduce the incidence of cyberbullying in educational settings, and tackle the Impact of Adult Behaviour on Cyberbullying.

Laszlo’s presentation at the Summit serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration in education. By working together, families, schools, and policymakers can address the root causes of cyberbullying, ensuring that adult behaviours in positions of authority reflect the values of respect, empathy, and support. Project PARTICIPATE’s work continues to provide actionable insights for parents and professional educators to prevent cyberbullying and promote inclusive education.