Impacts on
Early Emotional Development
I selected the country of Cameroon
because my sister had a DNA swab done a couple of years ago and we discovered
that our ancestors came from Cameroon.
There is an alarming rate of malnutrition among mothers and children
that have come from Central Africa to Cameroon because of wars (Press
Centre, n.d.) There are many children that are starving and
malnourished in health facilities and the end result is often death. UNICEF has been instrumental in helping these
malnourished mothers and children and remains a beacon for their survival (Press
Centre, n.d.).
UNICEF representative’s goal is to fight for the well being of all
children because children cannot develop successfully without proper nutrition (Press
Centre, n.d.).
A hungry child has very difficult time learning.
It
is so sad to see that there are children staring right in the US and this
country is supposed to be one of the richest nations in the world but we allow
our youngest citizens to starve. I have
personally experience this tragedy at the school where I am teaching, these
impoverished children come in hungry and they often ask for seconds and
sometimes third servings because they are lacking food at home. When these children are full then they are
ready to learn and receive new information.
It is my personal goal to make sure all inner city schools provide food
and clothing banks for children and families.
Our families are hurting and not enough people seem to care. As an early childhood professional I believe
that it is my duty to handle the needs of the whole child. I also hope to one day travel to Cameroon and
try to help the children and families achieve better living conditions.
References
Press centre. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2014, from
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/media_73991.html
Nikki,
ReplyDeleteThis research has also made me consider the struggles that children have in their life outside of school. I believe that this is why it is so important for educators to get to know the children and families of a personal level (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). If we know more about the trials that our students are going through we can help support them and develop strategies for them to learn to the best of their ability. Also, we can help provide families with resources that they need to receive assistance. It is our responsibility as educators to find out about our students so that we can more effectively educate the whole child (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Furthermore, this research has illustrated that the concerns that affect children in other countries are very similar to what children in this county experience.
Thanks for sharing,
Amanda
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Nikki,
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you were able to trace you roots back to Cameroon. I did not know that you could do that. As I was exploring UNICEF'S website I was saddened to see how the children in these countries are struggling. I have not had any experience with impoverished children in my schools, but I know that one day it will happen. I do volunteer at a homeless shelter and see the less fortunate on a regular basis. I am always drawn to the children and the initial pity that I feel is always replaced with astonishment. These children live in some horrible conditions, but still have joy. It is truly an amazing experience!
Nikki,
ReplyDeleteWhere did you go to trace your roots? I would love to do that. I also find it heartbreaking to see how these children struggle just to get something to eat. I think what makes it sadder that there are children here in the United States who go through the same struggles. I have always wanted to travel to foreign lands to help these children, but now I realized that I am needed in my own country to help the homeless children here. Thanks for your post!