The past few weeks I have
learned more about my partners and their countries. In South Africa, I have
learned that their poverty has a devastating effect on the children which in turn
deprives them of their socio-economic rights. I also learned that people who
grow up in extreme poverty face many consequences. Some immediate consequences
are: tendency for illness, stunted growth, delayed cognitive development, poor nutrition,
and general lethargy. One initiative they have over there to help overcome some
of the effects of poverty is the good quality early childhood development
programs for young children which also supplies families with support.
In addition to what I learned
about South Africa, I learned some new information about the Step By Step
Benevolent Foundation too. The Step By Step Benevolent Foundation the early
childhood age group uses a thematic or project-based approach. Classrooms are organized around
developmentally appropriate learning and activity centers. There is a high
priority on peer learning which ensures children have the opportunity to make
decisions for them. The activity centers are geared to the interests and
learning levels of each age group. This program is different from others is
that it only reaches those children who are in the most need. There are only a
small percentage of children who really benefit from this program.
I hope to continue to learn more
and more about these two organizations and the wonderful things they are doing
for children and their families.
Hi Victoria,
ReplyDeleteGood information. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed learning more about South Africa and the Step By Step Benevolent Foundation.
Amy
Hi Victoria,
ReplyDeleteHopefully the early childhood programs gain force and really help those families, communities, and children that really need it. That Step by Step program seems really good. Working around developmetal appropriate practices seems like the right way to go. It would be great if it could be offered to more people. Maybe if it shows great advancements in the future, something can be done to expand the program. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie
Hi Victoria
ReplyDeleteI too have learned some of the similar insights that you have shared while engaging with my professional contact. It seems as though families who experience poverty are the ones who suffers the most. I am happy, however, that these organizations have created programs that will assist children and their families.
Latasha
Hi Victoria,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the information on the Step by Step Benevolent program. I think its very good that they specifically only help those in need. Its nice to know there is a program that exists with this criteria. I plan to do more research on how they find and help these families.
Victoria,
ReplyDeleteI also was interested in learning about the Step by Step Benevolent program. I'm glad you included the name - I would like to research it further for personal interest.
Amanda