Poverty

I was astonished at the number of children and families living in poverty here in South Carolina.  You can't help but wonder what is really being done to help families?  When the state average is above the national average, then something isn't right.

Listening to the World Forum Podcast, Susan Lyon was speaking.  She brought the Innovative Teacher Project from Italy to San Francisco (http://www.innovativeteacherproject.org/).  She started working with children at the age of 22, with children with disabilities and emotional problems.  One of the children in her 1st grade class really made an impact on her.  When trying to teach him the word "city," he responded "such a small word for such a big place."

What Susan liked about the project above is that it portrayed a progressive image of children.  She also liked the 100 Languages of Children.  Susan wanted to prove that this kind of public work can really make a difference.

In addition to the podcast, I also read about poverty in India.  In 2001, out of 1.03 billion people, 260.2 million lived in poverty.  Over the last several decades, India has tried to reduce the number of families in poverty by increasing economic growth and providing "participatory and empowerment based approaches."  Although this has helped to reduce the number of families in poverty over time, the number today is still high.  As for the children living in poverty, it is difficult for India to place these 33 million children into primary school, and just as difficult to keep the children there.

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=countryo#11


My eyes have really been opened to the number of children and families living in poverty.  I see all these programs that are around to help families by giving them food and shelter, but it seems as if something more needs to be done.  I have been thinking quite a bit on what else can be done, something to educate families and parents...hopefully I will be able to come up with something to contribute and make a difference.

Children's Defense Fund

The Children's Defense Fund is a nonprofit organization that has been around for about 35 years.  Its focus is to advocate for children and youth, particularly those in low poverty, minorities and children with disabilities.  Their mission is to make sure "no child is left behind," and that each child receives the head start they deserve in life.

The organization has a monthly newsletter that can be emailed.  The main issue that was brought up in December's newsletter was the lack of funds for early childhood education, and that with people in Congress are worried about the federal budget and the deficit, and therefore education is taking a backseat, and the children are the ones who are hurting.  To me it seems as if people do not realize that our children are our future presidents and Congressmen/women, and what are we doing when we are not putting them first right now?

In regards to how this article relates to changing demographics in the early childhood education field, the article did state that one in three African American boys and 1 in 6 Latino boys will end up in prison during their lifetime, and the implied reason was lack of education.  The Children's Defense Fund will be holding a convening in July to discuss this topic as well as many others, and what we can do as advocates and professionals to make a change.

http://cdf.childrensdefense.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=26081.0&dlv_id=0

Early Childhood Education Around the World

I picked about four different countries to try and contact other early childhood educators, from the list given by the Global Alliance of NAEYC.  I am hoping that I will be able to get in contact with one of them, and am trying stay optimistic about that.  I didn't realize that there were so many educators around the world, and I think that is great!  So I am really keeping my fingers crossed that I hear back.  If not, then I will try and access the podcasts that were given to us in our class.  I am going to wait a few days though, I figure some of the countries may not have access to the internet on a regular basis.

As for the websites that we were able to choose from, I chose the Children Defense Fund in order to learn more about it, what its purpose is, and anything else I can find out.  I know it is about giving children a head start in life, and I would like to see the ways in which this program does that.

I have to say, I didn't realize there were so many websites and organizations around the world working towards helping our children.  Hopefully we can make a difference with everyone working together the way they are.