Issues and Trends: Poverty

In this week's podcast, Susan Lyon talks about here experiences and work in the Early Childhood profession. She started teaching at the age of twenty-two and since then her passion for children has continued to grow. In working with children, she wanted to advocate for children by listening to there wants and needs. Susan Lyon wanted to make an impact on children's lives and prove that quality work can be done in public centers. After seeing the exhibit "100 Languages of Children", she was inspired to bring it to the Northern California area. She held professional developments and brought Italian educators in to speak. Eventually, Susan Lyon started a project called the Innovative Teacher Project.The project consisted of a network of schools holding a round table. The schools take turns presenting their school to the group and they hold discussions on quality work. 

The podcast was kind of vague when it came to the issue of poverty. Though it was, I could see how a project like this can help areas where poverty exist. The way the schools in this community come together for the benefit of the children is a great way to learn more about the children and families in the community. You are able to see the needs and wants the children in the area and work together to improve the quality of service they provide. I think another way to extend on this program would be to proved families with tools and resources that could assist them in their needs.

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to reach Susan Lyon, so I have completed the alternate assignment. The country I chose to read about is Mongolia. Through my reading, it seems that the government is aboard the "lets reduce poverty train." They have developed a plan of action and a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. The paper sets out the principles of poverty reduction policies in Mongolia. These include economic growth, rural development, human development and good governance. In Mongolia, they also deal with people migrating to the area. Since the 1990's the migration has increased rapidly and the patterns of movement has changed. Migrants are moving from rural areas to more urban areas. Many of this migrants face hardships and don't benefit from the move. Children growing up in those households do not benefit either. 

Resources
Childhood Poverty Reserach and Policy Centre: http://www.childhoodpoverty.org
World Forum Foundation Radio. http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/radio.php