Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

 

 

The three organizations or communities of practice that appealed were the United Nation's Children Fund, Save the Children, and United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations. These organizations and communities of practice were appealing to me because they are all representations of things that I believe in. I agree with the missions of these organizations and communities of practice. The world is a better place because organizations like these exist.

 

 

The United Nation's Children Fund is appealing to me because it protects the rights of children and helps to give them a good start in life. These are both things that are so important in the lives of children. This organization is one that I would be proud to be a part of. Save the Children is appealing to me because it offers the opportunity for people to give back. I think that it is extremely important for people to help improve the lives of children. This organization and many others help improve the lives of children all over the world. The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization is appealing because it is responsible for attaining a quality education for people. This is something that we should all inspire to do. I am thankful that organizations like these exist in order to improve the lives of others.

 

 

I would like to be a representative for UNICEF here in the United States. I would need twelve to thirteen years of experience in the field. I would need to speak English fluently. I would also need to be able to build strategic partnerships and alliances with other nations. I would like to work with Save the Children in a U.S. filed based position. I think that this would be an ideal job because it would give ,e the opportunity to help improve early childhood programs for children and families in the United States. I would need to be able to work well with others and be knowledgeable about the early childhood field. I would like to be employed with the United Nations education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in the education sector of the organization because this would give the opportunity to improve the education of people around the world. Education is the key to success, and I would love to ensure that all people have access to a high quality education. A job with this organization would give me the opportunity to be able to do so. I would need to be knowledgeable about the education system, have good communication skills, and be capable of working with others.

 



Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

The three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that I have chosen are the National Autism Society, the United Nations, and the Children's Defense Fund. I have chosen these three organizations because they all mean something to me. I chose the National Autism Society because this organization has helped me learn valuable information about autism that has helped in caring for my son. I chose the United Nations because this organization has played a major role in helping to bring attention to very important issues all across the world. I feel that when countries work together to get things accomplished, we can achieve greatness. Lastly, I chose the Children's Defense Fund because this organization has brought attention to many of the issues that our children are faced with. Our children are our future, and we all need to make sure that we do everything ion our power to protect and support them.

The job opportunities that interest me are the director of programs for the National Autism Society, the humanitarian affairs officer for the United nations, and the director of major gifts and planned giving for the Children's Defense Fund. I am interested in the director of programs position with the National Autism Society because I would love to create and be the administrator of programs that will help families like my own overcome some of the struggles that autism presents.

I am interested in this position because I know what families dealing with autism are going through. I think that I would be able to assist because I bring knowledge and passion about this particular topic. I know that this position requires someone who is understanding, caring, knowledgeable, and who is willing to work with families. I am interested in the position of a humanitarian affairs officer with the United Nations because I have always been a person who loves people and wants the best for people. There are so many issues that we are all faced with all over the world. I feel that this position would give me the opportunity to help people which is something that I've wanted to do since I was a little girl. A position wit the United Nations would afford me with the opportunity to be able to help people all over the world. I realize that I would have to be able to work well with others, be a hard worker, be able to communicate well with others, be willing to learn other languages, be able to accept constructive criticism, and work diligently to complete tasks in a timely manner. Finally, I think that a position with the Children's Defense Fund as the director of major gifts and planned giving would give me the opportunity to help children all over the world by getting people to donate to such an important cause. I realize that this job may be very challenging because I always say that I don't like begging people for anything. I am willing to beg if it means that I will be able to help children. This is also a topic that I am passionate about. Therefore, I feel like I will be successful.

Reflecting on Learning

 

My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional is to create an environment in which children and families feel safe and know that it is okay to discuss differences. Also, I have the desire to be an advocate for children and families living with varying abilities. My son's diagnosis of autism has taught me that it can be very difficult to get proper services, especially when you are aware of what proper services are. It is important for children with varying abilities to get early intervention, but many families do not know exactly how to do this. I have had to be an advocate for my son, and I feel that my work is preparing to be an advocate for other children and families. All children need and deserve a high quality education. I want to ensure that they get one.

 

 

I want to take a brief moment to thank all of you, my colleagues and Dr. Pickens. I am truly grateful for the discussions that we have had throughout this course. I have had a very difficult time in my personal life. I was at the point of giving up. However, it is because of all of you that I did not. I wish you all nothing but success throughout your professional and personal journeys! Like Julie Olsen-Edwards said in the media segment, "Children are waiting on us!"

 

 

Resources

 

Laureate Education Inc., (2011). Strategies for working with Diverse Children (Course Media). "Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work". Baltimore, MD

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

It saddened me to read about the sexualization of early childhood. However, it didn't surprise me at all. We live in a very different world. It seems like the more women show, the sexier society views them. Most celebrities are seen half naked. Therefore, people are trying to look like the celebrities. Parents don't realize that their children are observing everything that they do. Parents are the first teachers. It is sad that children today have to grow up in a world in which everything is so sexualized. It's like they are being exposed to all of the wrong things, and this is forcing them to grow up way too quickly.

One example of young children being exposed to a highly sexualized environment is the television show Toddlers and Tiaras. I used to watch this show frequently because I could not just believe that parents could actually append so much money on pageants. I was amazed at just how much some of them would spend on those pageants. Eventually, I stopped watching the show because I became disgusted with how grown up the little girls looked. Some of the girls wore clothing that was way too revealing, and the moms stood in the audience cheering their daughters on. Many of the girls wore fake lashes and hair and had tons of makeup caked on their faces. I just felt that they were being forced to be adults before it was time. It's almost like they were being robbed of their childhood. I could no longer continue to watch such nonsense.

Another example of children being exposed to highly sexualized environments is the videos that I see on television. My daughter absolutely loves music. She is only two years old, but she is wise beyond her years. All day long she says, "I wanna dance, Mommy!" I don't mind allowing her the opportunity to express herself through dance because it is something that she enjoys doing. However, I am very cautious when it comes to what I allow her to watch and listen to. Some of the entertainers and singers are just ridiculous. I realize that sex sells and most of them are just trying to make money by any means necessary. That's why I have to be mindful of the things that I let my children hear and see.

The final example of children being exposed to a highly sexualized environment is the lack of positive examples from parents. many parents aren't setting positive examples for their children. They are dressing provocatively and using vulgar language in front of their children. I know that I have to be mindful of the things that I say and do around my children, especially my daughter. Children are like sponges. They are constantly soaking up everything that is going on in their environments.

 

All of these example could have a negative impact on gender identity because they could give the wrong idea about what it is to be a boy or girl. Therefore, adults have to make a conscious effort to set positive examples for our young children. If not, it easy for children to get the wrong ideas about gender identity. Early childhood professionals have to take a proactive approach when it comes to tackling these issues. first, it is important for early childhood professionals to talk to parents and families to get a better understanding about their views in regards to these issues. Once this happens, the ECE professional will gain a better understanding of just how to approach these issues. I think that one of the best things that can happen if for adults to address these issues with children so that they are not confused or misguided.

References

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

 

 

 

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

 

 

The ism that I have chosen is ableism. I chose this particular ism because although I am not directly affected by it, I have to deal with it because of my son who has autism. I often deal with stares and whispers. People often automatically assume that my son is an unruly child who is totally out of control. I think they do that because he looks like a typical child. Therefore, you wouldn't know that he had autism just by looking at him. I often say that this is something that is a blessing and a curse. He doesn't have to deal with people being cruel just by looking at him. However, he doesn't get the sympathy that others with physical disabilities may get. Either way, every day is a new adventure. It's one of the most difficult things that I've had to endure.

 

Because I have not yet embarked on my journey as an early childhood professional, it's hard to say exactly what things I may have to deal with from children and families when it comes to ableism. I would hope that they are understanding and accepting. Dealing with my son's varying ability has caused me to be much more sympathetic to those individuals living with varying abilities. I understand that every day can be a struggle. Therefore, I think that my personal experiences will give me the opportunity to relate to children and families with varying abilities. I definitely hope that this is something that will be embraced by children and families. One of the challenges that I may face having experienced ableism is that children and families will think that I will treat those children with varying abilities differently. I will have to assure children and families that I am there to serve all of them equally. There are simply certain accommodations and needs that children with varying abilities may have that others will not have.



What I have Learned

 

 

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families from diverse backgrounds is that I will be able to embrace them and treat them with respect and dignity. I also hope that I will be able to relate to them in some way and make them feel welcomed and loved.

 

 

One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field when it comes to diversity, equity, and social justice is that educators and families would have scheduled required meetings to be able to learn about the backgrounds of children and families in an effort to better serve and educate children and their families.

 

 

I would like to thank my colleagues for sharing your thoughts during this past eight weeks. It always seems like the eight weeks go by so quickly. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from each of you. I think we all share the goal of wanting to improve the lives of the children we come in contact with. I hope that we will all continue to make it our life's mission to serve children and their families. I wish you all the best on your personal and professional journeys. Peace

 



Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art

 

I immediately thought about a song that was written by my husband when I read the assignment. It describes the mentality of so many young African American males who were not given the opportunity to become who they wanted to become because of biases, discomforts, and trauma. This song does not in anyway depict my husband's life. He is simply describing the lives of young African American men from the "hood." 

 

 

 

I Don't Want to be a Gangster

 

 

This is the tale of a young man who fell victim to an underprivileged upbringing.

 

I be on the block with the rocks off in my socks

 

Trying to hustle up a knot

 

I ain't worried bout a cop

 

Cause I'm a G, ain't nobody out here gone mess with me.

 

I been on my own; I ain't never had a family

 

My mama using drugs

 

Papa in the penitentiary

 

And he ain't getting out

 

They gave my pop a whole century

 

Think I see some him in me

 

That's what my granny say

 

I don't want to live this life

 

But I don't see no other way

 

When I was a little kid I used to look up at he stars

 

Thought I'd be the first man to make it up to Mars

 

But I ain't get no help in school

 

So I gave up on my dream

 

And I just went to getting it with this his triple beam

 

But sometimes I sit and wonder what would happen had I never gave up

 

Had I never took the attitude that I don't give a damn

 

Cause I really give a damn if the truth is really told

 

And I'm not the only one

 

All the real G's know

 

That I don't want to be a Gangster

 

By: Adam Wells



Gender, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

 

 

When observing books, cartoons, toys, and other tools associated with young children today, it is my opinion that these things show how homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children. As I watched some popular television shows with my own children, I couldn't help but notice just how sexist the world really is. Likewise, I realized that I too have become a part of the problem without even knowing it. I noticed that the female characters did things like pick flowers, help the mom wash dishes, play with dolls, etc. On the other hand, the male characters played sports, rode bikes, and helped the dad fix things around the house. We teach our children early that there are certain things that boys do and certain things that girls do. While reading a book about colors to my children, I found myself being guilty of promoting sexism. I asked my daughter what her favorite color is. I immediately asked if pink or purple were here favorites, and I asked my son if blue or green were his. I thought about topics that we have been discussing in class and corrected myself. I told them that they could like any colors that they chose. As a result of the things that I am learning, I think I am going to be conscious in discussions and interactions with my children and other children.

 

 

Sadly, I know a lady who often tells her grandson that he is going to be gay because he is such a "mama's boy." This makes the boy sad, but I don't think that he fully understands what she is saying or what she means. I always get upset when I hear her say that. I have told her that she shouldn't say those things to him. I don't think she is intentionally trying to hurt him, but that is exactly what she does every time she says it. I can just see it in his face. I think that things like this can have a negative effect on all children. We should allow children to grow up and be who they want to be instead of what we want them to be. This might be hard for many to accept, but we have to learn to accept people for who they are. 

Closing Post

It seems that 8 weeks really do just fly by. I have learned so much from all of you. This class has been interesting to say the least. Communication is something that we do from birth, but it is something that many of us never really completely master. I think it is most certainly an area that could always use improvement. I definitely think that we have gained some valuable information on how to become more effective communicators. It's up to us to put this information to use. Thank you all for the thought and post throughout these 8 weeks. Thank you for allowing me to share my experiences with all of you. I look forward to continuing this educational journey with you.

Team Building

 

 

When I think about the groups that I have been a part of, the adjourning stage was often not the hardest. I have often been in groups in which the other group members were not pulling their weight. They left the work up to a few people, and I always found myself being a part of the few. As a result, I was usually looking forward to the adjourning stage. However, this has not always been the case. One of the most enjoyable groups that I have been a part of was my youth group at church. We formed a bond that I still treasure to this day. I am still friends with many of them. I was very sad when I turned 18 and headed off to college. The adjourning stage was very difficult.

 

I do feel that high performing groups are hardest to leave. I've often found myself eager to leave low performing groups because I was exhausted from having to do all of the work. My church youth group was an extremely high performing group. I became so close to my group members that I considered them to be family. When the members got ready to go off to college, we would have a special dinner to honor them. It was always such a sad occasion because we never wanted any of the members to leave. I remember being happy to be going to college but sad that I had to leave my group members. I now realize that I really wasn't leaving them because we had already formed an unbreakable bond.

 

I'm not sure how I will feel about adjourning from the colleagues of my Master's program. I assume that it will also be a bittersweet time. I have had the opportunity to get to know some truly amazing people who are making a major difference in the early childhood field. I have enjoyed learning from them through the experiences that they share each week. It has become a part of my life. My life has been very stressful and being a part of this program has been somewhat of an outlet for me. I know that it will be difficult to leave.

 

In the "adjourning" stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions (Abudi, 2010). This is an important part of the team building phase. It gives the members an opportunity to reflect on the tasks that were performed. Hopefully, the tasks were completed and successful. This also provides the team the opportunity to say good-bye to each other and wish each other luck as they pursue their next endeavor (Abudi, 2010).

 

References

 

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-

          development-a-case-study.html

 

 



Who I am as a Communicator

 

 

 

In evaluating the results of the two people who took the test, I found the fact that my former coworker thought that I enjoy public speaking to be the most surprising. Actually, I despise it. I always have. It is something that I want to improve because I know that it is something that I have to do especially in the early childhood field. She has heard me speak in front of small groups several times, and she felt that I've always done well. As a result, she thought that I liked doing it. I learned that I need to improve my listening skills as well. This week's lesson taught me that others do not always see us the way that we see ourselves. We should be mindful of how others view us. I also learned that a person can tell if you're not really being attentive no matter how hard you are trying to act like you are. 

Communication

 

 

 

 

When I think about diversity, I definitely feel that it effects the way that we communicate with others. I know that I find myself communicating differently with people who are not like me. For example, I feel like I have to make sure that I speak correctly when I am around highly educated people. I generally speak correctly anyway, but I find myself making more of a conscious effort to do so when I am around certain individuals. I think  that they will misjudge me if I don't do so. Another example is how I communicate around extremely religious people. I was raised in a religious home, but I do not consider myself to be super religious. I am a Christian, but I have learned to respect people of all faiths, religions, beliefs. etc. However, I find myself trying not to say the wrong thing around people who are very religious. I often feel that those kind of people won't have the desire to be around me if I don't present myself in a certain way that is acceptable to them.

 

 

I am learning that I should be myself. It is always good to be respectful towards others, but I don't have to stop being myself. People should respect us for who we are and not for who they want us to be. I think that I can become a more effective communicator by not being ashamed of who I am. I have to love myself and trust that others will do the same. If not, that is okay. I have to find comfort in myself. As long as I'm being respectful and understanding towards others, I should be okay with that. 

Professional Hopes and Goals

 

 

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families from diverse backgrounds is that I will be able to embrace all children and families with respect and love.

 

 

 

One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that all early childhood professionals will work diligently to overcome personal biases in an effort to fully embrace children and families from diverse backgrounds.

 

 

 

I would like to sincerely thank all of my colleagues for the discussion posts, responses, and blog assignments. I have learned so much from all of you in regards to the issues of diversity, equity, and social justice. I think we all desire to positively change the early childhood field so that all children and families are treated equally. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of you through the stories that you have shared. We all have a story to tell. I wish you all continued success throughout your educational and professional journeys. Be blessed!

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Nicaragua is a country in Central America. It has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea, in the east, and the North Pacific Ocean, in the west, and has Costa Rica to the southeast and Honduras to the northwest.
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America with an area of 130,373 km² and contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua (Lake Nicaragua) or Cocibolca.

There are about 5.6 million Nicaragüenses in Nicaragua. The majority of the population is mestizo and white. Nicaraguan culture has strong folklore, music and religious traditions, deeply influenced by European culture but enriched with Amerindian sounds and flavors. The main language is Spanish, which is spoken by about 90% of the population.

I would do the following things in preparation for my new Nicaraguan student:

1) I would familiarize myself with the Spanish language in an effort to communicate with my student and the family.

2) I would ask the family to tell me about their family culture so that I can relate to the child.

3) I would familiarize myself with traditions in the Nicaraguan culture.

4) I would have pictures of things in the Nicaraguan culture displayed in the classroom.

5) I would give the student the opportunity to tell me about himself/herself.


I would hope that these preparations would give me the opportunity to get to know the child as well as become familiarized with his or her culture. Becoming familiarized with the culture and getting to know the child will help me to better serve the child and his or her family. Becoming familiar with the language will help me be able to communicate with the child and the family. I would hope that these preparations would be helpful in educating and serving the child and the family.

Resource

 

www.wikitravel.org

When I think about bias, prejudice, and oppression, I think about one of my favorite movies, A Time to Kill. This movie was filmed here in my hometown, Canton, MS. The character Carl Lee Hailey, played by Samuel L. Jackson, experienced bias, prejudice , and oppression. He killed to two men who raped his young daughter. However, he was Black, and they were White. There was no way that he was going to receive a fair trial in MS. At the end of the movie, Hailey's attorney, Jake Brigance, came to visit him at the jail. He basically told Carl Lee Hailey that he didn't have anymore to offer. He felt that they were going to lose the case. After talking with Hailey, Brigance gave a great closing argument the following day. He told the story of how the little girl was raped. There wasn't a dry eye in the courtroom. He ended by telling the jurors to imagine that the little girl was White. As a result, carl Lee Hailey was acquitted.

I was eleven years old when this movie was released. I remember going to the watch the movie being filmed almost every night. It was a big time for my hometown. However, I really didn't know what the movie was about. Therefore, I was stunned when I went to see it at the movies. At that moment, I felt that the color of my skin would make my life harder. I was young, but I left the theater feeling as though I was not good enough. Now that I am an adult with children of my own, I realize that I am not inferior. When I became more educated and knowledgeable, my mindset changed. I'm grateful for growth. A Time to Kill is still one of my favorite movies.

 

 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

 

 

 

While visiting with my uncle from Florida this weekend, he told me a story about his days of working as a mechanic. My uncle was a skilled worker who had been highly trained to do his job. However, he was often looked down on because he was black. The other men who were all white would often tell him to pick up heavy boxes or fix different things around the shop. They never took the time to find out what his job title was or what his job description entailed. They simply ordered him to do these things because they assumed that he was incapable of doing their job because he was black. Of course, they never said that they were asking him to move heavy boxes because he was black, One day the manager called a meeting and informed the other employees that my uncle was a skilled worker just like everyone else. He said that he never had anymore problems after that day.  I wasn't really shocked by the story that my uncle told me, but I was thankful that his boss cared enough to address the issue. Sometimes people are guilty of doing and saying harmful things because they are  unaware that they are doing and saying those things.

 

The observations this week helped me to realize that we are all capable of having certain biases and prejudices against others. We have to make a conscious effort to overcome these biases and prejudices so that we are treating al people with dignity and respect. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. I know that I am going to do a better job of being respectful towards other people. It's something that I try to do anyway, but this week's discussion makes me want to do it even more!

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 

 

The answers that I received about culture included elements such as religion, race, food, clothes, beliefs, and language. These are all things that we have been discussing and learning about.

 

 

Some of the things that were omitted in the answers that I received were family expectations and rules, our way of thinking, goals, gender and child roles, health care, and work.

 

 

After studying diversity and culture and asking people about their perspectives, I think that I have a better understanding. I realized that culture and diversity encompasses way more than just the things on the surface. Just about everything we do is based on our culture and diversity. I am now more conscious about my culture, and I realize that my culture has made me who I am. I have never thought much about how culture affected me before now.

 

 



My Family Culture

 

 

The three items that I would take with me to this foreign country would be my Bible, my mother's picture, and my grandmother's picture.

 

 

The Bible is representative of my family's faith. I grew up in a very religious household. having the Bible with me would remind me to remain faithful that one day I would be able to return to my home.

 

My mother is such a spiritual woman. I love her so much for the things that she has taught me, and the things that she has done for me. Having her picture with me would remind me to stay strong and not give up.

 

My grandmother was the matriarch of our family. She taught me many things, and I am grateful for that. She is no longer with me physically, but her spirit lives on inside of me. She is my guardian angel.

 

If I was told that I could only keep one item, I would completely devastated. It would be hard for me to choose, but I would choose the Bible because my grandmother and mother are always with me. They are a part of who I am.

 

This exercise has taught me that life presents us with difficult choices. We have to be willing to accept that and realize that we can survive. I also realize that our family culture will always be a part of us and it should be. We can embrace the good things and move on from the bad ones. 

When I Think of Research....

 

 

One of the insights that I gained is that selecting topic is a very important step in the research process. One must choose a topic that is of interest. I think that I was so leery about the research process because I often felt like I was being  forced to conduct research on topics that were given to me. Being able to actually choose my own topic helped my the process easier. Another insight that I gained is about experimental designs. I learned that experimental designs will typically have two groups. There is a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group receives the independent variable or the treatment. The control group does not receive the treatment. Like most things in life, the research process presents many challenges that we must be willing to overcome. One of the many challenges in conducting early childhood research is being sure to protect the rights of children and their families. We never want to do anything to jeopardize the safety of young children.

 

 

Eight weeks ago, I was a nervous wreck about starting this class. I had not had the best experiences with research in the past. I got afraid just from hearing the word. However, my whole attitude about research has changed. The process was broken down in a way that I was better able to understand the necessary steps. I also realized that many of my colleagues felt the same way that I did. This helped me overcome my fear because I knew that I was not alone. Each week, we were introduced to a new step in the research process. It was broken down in a w ay that was easier for me to understand. I now know that I have the necessary tools and information to be able to conduct research. I am grateful to Dr. Pickens and my colleagues for helping me be able to overcome my fear, one week at a time.

 

One of the challenges that I faced in the class was the fact that some unexpected things occurred in my personal life. I got a little behind. I also have a very stressful life at times. I just had to realize that we all go through things and face challenges in life. I decided to keep pushing forward and not give up.  I often wondered how I would have the time to conduct the research. I know that I have to learn how to use my time more wisely.  My research topic question was if placing children diagnosed with ASD in structured environments would improve their ability to talk. I wondered if I would have a large enough study group. 

 

I did not really consider myself to be an early childhood professional when I first started this program because I was not working in the field. I even changed my mind about which aspect of the field I wanted to engage in. I realized that I wanted to be an early childhood advocate, especially for those children and families living with disabilities. One day it hit me that I was already an advocate. As a result of this course, I have learned that we are all researchers whether we know it or not. We are always trying to provide answers to the many questions that exist. As early childhood professionals, it is our responsibility to conduct research in an effort to improve the lives of young children and their families.  

International Awareness

1. The first consequence of learning about the international early childhood filed is that I became more aware about the issues and trends that exist internationally.

2. The second consequence is that I became more knowledgeable about organizations that I can contribute to in an effort to help bring an end to some of these issues like poverty.

3. Lastly, I was able to learn ways to better help children and families in my own community.

One goal for the filed of early childhood as it relates to international awareness is to continue to serve children and their families and help them gain access to a high quality education in hopes that children will one day give back to their communities by alleviating the negative effects of these issues and trend that exist.