MESSAGES FOR FAMILIES-PERSONAL ADVOCACY REFLECTION

Two years ago I was sent to inspect a school that had a population of over 70 children between the ages 3 to 5 years. The physical plant was a disaster waiting to happen and I was overly concern for the safety of the students and the practitioners. At the end of the inspection the scores warranted a closure notice. I asked the principal to appeal to the organization “Food for the Poor” to get assistance in getting a building to accommodate an early childhood institution. After two years of not hearing anything from them I visited the school yesterday and to my surprise the school has a new building. I was so elated. The principal related her story to me and her journey about how she advocated in getting a new building for the children. She engaged many of the mothers to sign petitions, fund raisers and to assist with the construction of the building. She said it was never an easy road but she kept hearing my words of encouragement and hope over and over in her mind. I sensed her passion for early childhood. The members of staff were so glad to see me and thanked me for the words of encouragement. I left that school feeling like I had just won the lottery. My passion for advocacy has been influenced by many persons but I believe my passion has been ignited by a close family friend who is now deceased. This friend has caused me to bring out the advocacy in persons I come in contact with. This person although she did not play a direct and active role in the field of early childhood, she made me recognize the importance of working for social change through mediums such as education. She believed in educating the mind and empowering the individual. My friend broke through many barriers such as gender discrimination; educational barriers and cultural barriers. She was one of the first female in Jamaica to advocate for the rights of young women especially high school drop outs, pregnant teenagers and children who did not attain high educational standards. She made women feel happy about themselves and their families by engaging women through workshops and seminars. Her psychological skills brought hope to many who society considered as a failure. She made me realize that people are people and we all have wants and needs, and, everyone has the right to live and be free. It was through her inspirations and influences that made me realize that I can be a change agent in whatever area I find myself.