This week I spoke with my international contact about professional visions and issues and trends in the field of early childhood. Molly shares many of the same concerns as I for our future; how to develop a comprehensive early childhood support system that covers the diverse range of needs and strengths that families cross-culturally possess. Even in the Marshall Islands, issues of inequity and trends of declining workforce qualifications and compensation remain. Children are not afforded the same opportunities among social classes and poverty and food insecurity are among the challenges of educators in the Marshall Islands and the continental United States. Molly faces particular challenges in the Marshall Islands where children do not have access to healthier foods and climate change may eradicate their island altogether. Even still, Molly and I both believe that investments in our youngest learners will lead to positive outcomes for all societies and nations and that quality early care from educator's that are passionate will make the difference.
I asked Molly about her future plans for teaching and we discussed the impact of her experience in the Marshall Islands on her pedagogy. She details her own growing ability to meet children and families where they are and to advocate for young children in unfair circumstances. Together, she thinks, we can help policymakers and leaders in the field better serve all young children by ensuring that we are representing each child and family circumstance adequately. Molly has served on several councils for her school and is part of teaching organizations like NAEYC that she feels will help her to be an informed advocate for all young children. What I realized is that, globally, most people have a strong value for young children, and that each family and community has a sense of commitment to children that is demonstrated in different ways. Globally, we must gather in support of young children and make sure that inequities are addressed and excellence is promoted in every area that we can.
Neisha,
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot about the Marshall Islands and the struggles that they faced through your communications with Molly. I thank you for raising awareness and bringing perspective on how these children struggle every day on whether or not they will have food or not. It helps me to appreciate all that we do have in the United States, and a reminder to help those that are in need in our own country; as no child deserves to live in these conditions.
Hello Neisha,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great response and insight you had from Molly this week! That was really interesting to read about the early childhood education on Marshall Islands, it is definitely disheartening. It is very sad that children do not receive the same benefits when it comes to education. Thanks for sharing all this information with us I have learned a lot about the Marshall Islands.
Vivian Lopes
Hi Neisha,
ReplyDeleteIt is quite insightful to learn that Molly faces some of the same challenges we have in the US. But it is truly heartbreaking to know that they do not know if they will have food or not.
Hello Neisha,
ReplyDeleteI really admire you for contact people that is in schools that don't support nutrition and healthcare on that island, and it's great that you can reach out to them to offer the support that you give them, and that can be information on different resources that can assist them in getting the funding, or what ever they need in getting healthcare, and nutrition programs.