Hello again. In week 6, we are once again looking at our chosen resource we have discussed in previous weeks of this course. The organization I had chosen was the Save the Children organization, one in which I have found to have great interest and passion for their work. This week's topic was in reference to equity and excellence in early childhood education. We needed to take a closer look at the resources and information provided from this organization, as well as how the information relates to this week's topic of equity and excellence.
The first question this week was referring to exploring the links to other resources and where they lead. Within this organization's site, there are links to news articles about current issues and trends worldwide involving children, links that list and explain who the supporters and partners are for this organization, and links to sign the petition to urge an increased investment in programs for children in the United States, among others. Each link leads to an important space. I am very interested in exploring each link in detail.
For the second question, we had to focus on one of these options and explore it more closely. I decided to explore the link of supporters and partners to the organization first. I have been following this organization via social media as well and have taken notice that actress Jennifer Garner has taken a strong interest in this organization, becoming a spokesperson for it. I was curious to see who else is in support of this organization, as well. Two sponsors or partners largely discussed in the article include Accenture and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. These organizations have helped to raise money for the organization's services to help children and for additional programs, such as Accenture's Skills to Succeed program to empower people with the skills needed to find job success. This interested me greatly to see the varying types of support the organization is getting and I am curious to see who else supports them.
The third question is in regard to one of the issues presented on the organization's website or newsletter that we have been following. I have taken an interest in the issues taking place in Syria and the ways in which they are effecting the children who live there, or have been forced to leave with their families for safety. This issue was near to my heart as I think we sometimes take for granted the positive benefits and luxuries we truly have in the United States. That is not to say we do not have our own challenges and issues, but in comparison to this country, our children are not suffering these additional stressors, thankfully. I am happy to report that "Save the Children has already reached over 250,000 people across Syria," and even more critical, "Save the Children is helping thousands of children like Sana and her sisters to access education, to learn how to communicate about their experiences and - vitally to learn how to be children again," (Save the Children, 2014, paragraph 1). They are working diligently to provide for the children and families suffering in this country. I couldn't be more proud of this organization's goals and work ethic.
The next question was in reference to this week's topic of equity and excellence in early education, probing to see if the organization has any resources or information related to this issue or topic. The link related to signing the petition for additional services for our country was my first stop in this exploration. This area of the website acknowledges the issue at hand - the simple fact that we do not provide access to high-quality early childhood programs for ALL children in the U.S. as we should. This is petitioning for Congress to provide additional funding to the field to provide this for all children. Save the Children is not stopping the fight there, however; they are continuing to petition for additional funding so that the government can and will realize the importance of this juncture. We have come to recognize the long lasting positive impacts high-quality programs can have on children but we have yet to find a way to make this possible for all children so the organization continues to push for this opportunity for all. Again, I am proud to be a supporter of such a wonderful organization.
The fifth and final question to be discussed asks what additional insights have been gained about the field via this organization this week. Once again, I must state that my eyes continue to be opened wider each passing week, especially through a wonderful resource such as this. This organization is so reputable because they are fighting for children not only in our country but all over the world, fighting to give children a chance. Many of the means of this mission are passions I have for the field already and seeing that an organization exists that exhibits the same passions and makes them come to reality is eye opening and awe-inspiring. I would love to eventually be an advocate for the field, even if just at a small scale for my local community and district. Organizations such as this will be helpful in leading me down the road to becoming an advocate in the future, providing me with information and encouragement to do what is right.
References:
Save the Children. (2014). Save the Children. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm.
I think its tragic what is happening in Syria I heard a song once with a quote "when the rich wage war its the poor that die" When you break it down its one rich man and his cronies waging a war for personal power and economic gain using religion and ethnic hatred as a means of manipulation to start a war to ensure he and his cronies stay in power. It's tragic and disgusting. I read an article this week and thought about you nd your organization
ReplyDeletehttp://www.storyleak.com/one-week-us-military-spending-wipe-out-world-hunger/
its a story that states for a fraction of what the US spends per week on military operations we have the power to end world hunger for 1 year. It boggles my mind why we don't do this.
Wow, Julie! Never thought of it in that sense. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAshley Richards
It is good to know that Save the Children is petitioning for funding for preK for all children. I just don't understand what has been taking society so long to recognize the importance of ECE and that it should be a right, not a privilege.
ReplyDeleteGreat information Ashley! I too have been keeping up with the issues and Syria. I am continually moved by the ordeals that children and families have to deal with over such a trivial and personal issue. It certainly makes me feel thankful for the simple things we take for granted everyday. It is so sad and I only hope something positive come from and Syria somehow grows and matures with the times. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Jalice