Insights and
Information Gained from Delfena Mitchell’s Podcasts and E-Mails:
In my post “Getting to Know EC Internationally” posted March
16th I discussed podcast 3 from the World Forum with Delfena
Mitchell and her work with Liberty Children’s Home in Belize. This home is a refuge for children who have
been abused or neglected, which provides a retreat to encourage healing,
nurturing, and eventually easing children back into the educational system.
In my efforts to contact Delfena Mitchell, I sent an e-mail commending
her for her efforts at Liberty Children’s Home as they work diligently to
create a safe, nurturing environment for children who have been through much
more than they deserve. I explained that
her story is inspirational to me as a teacher in the field of early childhood
education, modeling a nurturing method for approaching children who have been
through abuse and neglect, as well as being patient, as it takes time for children
to heal. I thanked her for the model she
has provided to me to help children in overcoming the most difficult of times through
providing a safe, nurturing environment, while remaining patient and hopeful.
I was presently surprised to receive an e-mail back from Ms.
Mitchell a week and a half later, thanking me for the complements sent to
Liberty Children’s Home in my pervious e-mail.
She briefly described the financial challenges the home faces, but
seemed uplifted when discussing her caring staff, who works hard to assist the
children who need them most. She also
commented about World Forum, and how she is thankful that an organization such
as that exists to encourage collaboration and encourage best practices for
children. In her e-mail she said “I
always leave their forums feeling revitalized and ready to tackle
anything!” (D. Mitchell, personal
communication, March 23, 2012). A great
message to other early childhood educators to recognize the importance of
collaborating with other early childhood professionals.
I have responded to Ms. Mitchell regarding some of the
issues we face in the United States
that we have been discussing in class, and asked to talk with her more about
the issues she is facing in Belize
as well. I hope to hear back from her in
the near future, as I believe the collaboration efforts between Ms. Mitchell
and I would be extremely beneficial for me as I reflect on discussed issues,
and make positive changes in my own classroom setting. I am anxiously awaiting her response and will
be sure to fill you in as I hear from Ms. Mitchell.
Issues of Equity and
Excellence Acquired from Conversing with Ms. Mitchell and Studying Her Podcast:
It is apparent that there are many issues of inequity in
early childhood programs in the United
States.
After conversing with Ms. Mitchell and studying the podcast on the World
Forum website, I am more aware of the fact that inequity occurs in early
childhood settings not only in our nation, but across the world. Ms. Mitchell speaks of children who have been
neglected and abused in her podcasts when they were young children, obviously
not getting an equal start in their infant and toddler years, to children who
are nurtured and loved by their parents and guardians in their homes.
It is clear that there are deficiencies in finances at The
Liberty Home as well, which typically occurs with many programs that encourage
growth and development of young children, even in the United States. The lack of funding for programs like The
Liberty Home also create inequity in early childhood education in that children
are not provided with the same resources in order to develop in all areas as
those children being educated in places that have an abundance of funds to
support growth.
In Conclusion:
It is clear that inequity in early childhood education not
only exists in the United
States, but across the world. Ms. Mitchell has explained the way that The
Liberty Home has been affected by some of these inequities in Belize. It is imperative that teachers are aware of
and do all they can to support the policy recommendations to lessen and
eliminate inequity in early childhood educational programs to give all children
a fair, equal start.
Erika,
ReplyDeleteit is very exciting that you heard back from Ms. Mitchell. I would guess that most programs for children struggle with funding issues. In your post, you mention that Ms. Mitchell referred to the commitment of the staff. It seems that many times, the commitment and passion of the staff can offset some of the problems caused by lack of funding however, staff burnout becomes a concern. I also listened to the podcast and checked out the website. The work that they are doing is very impressive. I thought it was great that the children are involved in raising fruits, vegetables, chicken and pigs so that they can be more self-sufficient and also sell the surplus to raise money for the program.
This is a creative way to deal with the funding issue while providing a meaningful experience for the children.
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI also watched the podcast of Ms. Mitchell and was impressed with her work. Have you seen the You Tube video that provides an inside look of the Liberty Home and some of the challenges and successes they have encountered? Check out my blog for the address (I had a difficult time posting the link, but you can also google Children's Liberty Home and it will come up on their website. During the video, Delfena does speak highly of the caregivers and staff at the home. She is a great role model for us all!
It is important that you point out that inequities exist in the US as well as worldwide. Sometimes it seems that we imagine that we have overcome some of the problems of years past such as civil rights and children's rights when we have simply managed to "eliminate" the most obvious forms of discrimination and inequity.
ReplyDeleteThe well being of children must be a concern for all of us. even though I don't have children myself - my future will depend upon people that are compassionate, talented , educated, healthy and wise. Many of these children will rise from "unlikely" places - their outlook transformed by a handful of caring and dedicated adults (teachers included).
Many early educators are similar to Ms Mitchell - in vision if not in scope - seeking to provide a safe and supportive start for children and families at risk.
Thank you for reminding us all of the importance of our work and of our obligation to stand up and "fight" for children and families.
Wonderful post, Erika! I am so glad your contact is emailing you back, giving you insight on many issues.
ReplyDeleteI believe we need to have a strong, compassionate, committed person to educate our children, despite the monetary issues. Unfortunately, due to the strict budget and funding issues with states, many people are leaving the education field because the pay is not substantial enough.
Thank you for reminding me how important our jobs are!
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Erika,
ReplyDeleteWOW! Your contact with Ms. Mitchell sounds like it will be an impactful one! Her dedication to the inequities in Belize will most likely provide you with inspiration and support with your work in your classrooom. Please keep us posted and let us know as your insights as learn more from Ms. Mitchell.
Nicole
WOW!! Great information Ericka. I think this is a brave thing to do by creating a refuge for people who have been neglected/abused. Some people don't have a heart to reach out to people in need but I'm glad the people of Belize feel differently.
ReplyDelete