"I hope that my time spent here in Mali, working with the education system in my village will prove to not only beneficial to the current teachers and students, but also the many students yet to come. I hope through my work here that Malians will begin to understand the importance of education, even the simplest things we (Americans) take for granted like reading, and writing. To have my villagers, especially the ones that work closely with the school to support girls education would be a dream come true! Professional challenges I will face will be along the lines of cultural differences, because it is hard coming from a culture where women work outside of the home, to a culture where the women's' only jobs are in the home. Myself, being female, and trying to convince male elders of the village the importance of education will be a challenge in its self."Dani brings to light many issues in Mali's education system as well as the challenges of working in a diverse culture. In America, we have a functioning education system that is funded and provides for all children despite gender. It's important for us to keep this in perspective. We are so lucky especially as females to have had the opportunity and right to a free, fair education. I am so glad that there are men and women like Dani who dedicate their time, money, and energy to improving the lives of others around the world.
This week we've been discussing equity and excellence in the early childhood field with a specialized focused on high-quality teaching. Like Dani, I hope she can improve the understanding of the teachers, staff, and villagers so they know why education is important in our global society. There is inequity in Mali because not all children can afford to attend school, mostly boys attend. There are limited learning materials and/or school supplies. Excellence depends upon the teachers content knowledge and elder villagers willingness to support education. It's obvious to me this week that our issues of equity and excellence are completely different than those in Mali however they are significant for each us.
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI bet that had to be pretty enlightening and fun getting to discuss early childhood issues with a person in Mali. I never did hear back from any of my contacts and I emailed about 10 people. I would have loved to hear from someone from Ireland or Germany. I bet you have learned a good deal. I hope Dani is able to leave her mark in Mali and take some understanding back with her. Children everywhere deserve equality and excellence in high-quality environments.
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteThis weeks comments from our colleagues reminds us how basic education is not a right for everyone in the world. We often forget outside of the United States children are denied a basic education based on religion, color of their skin, gender, nationality, or even socioeconomic status. We have to remember that all though the education system needs improvement in the Unites States it is available to all children.
Meredith
Maggie-
ReplyDeleteIt is mind boggling that women in so many countries are denied even the most basic education. I know that in Africa young girls are often left out of education just like in Mali. It is so easy to forget that as a woman how lucky we really are. Thank you for sharing your information from Dani.
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your connection with your international contact. I understand the challenge that Dani is facing because I have witnessed alot of this happening. Most of the people that come in to bring change end up death or are threatened to be killed if they continue with their mission of educating girls because the cultural belief is that girls are not meant to go to school or have any form of education. Thanks for an interesting write up.