The founder of the Riverside School in Ahmedabad, Kiran Sethi has launched an initiative to make our cities more child-friendly
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Kiran Bir Sethi teaches kids to take charge
Our family is heading to India in less than 2 weeks…and I find myself seeking resources about the education system in a third world country. I am amazed how one woman can be so inspirational and change the life of one child at a time, in a country with a population of over 1.21 billion people (2011 Census).
Kiran Bir Sethi shows how her groundbreaking Riverside School in India teaches kids life's most valuable lesson: "I can." Watch her students take local issues into their own hands, lead other young people, even educate their parents.
Monday 13 February 2012
My Struggles...while working full time, completing a MEd program, and being a mother
Since starting school in September 2011, some of my biggest challenges have been around time management and prioritization as my personal demands and commitments all compete with each other.
My week consists of 45+ work hours (9-10 hour weekdays) and then 10+ hours weekly on the soccer field with my boys…and that does not include time for homework (my boys, as well as my own), grocery shopping, meal prep, laundry, housekeeping…and the list goes on… and most importantly…family time. I struggle, as a working mother, to balance children, marriage, household, career, education, and selfishly…some personal time for myself. At times…I feel like I am drowning…and barely able to keep my ahead above water.
My husband and I have had to find a balance with including our children in everything we do…as time together is very precious to us. I am very appreciative and thankful for the help of my in-laws, as without them…my life would have been even more complicated as I would have had to figure out car-pooling.
Some days, I struggle to get things done, but at the end of the day, I reflect about my family and am very appreciative of the little things we do with each other…and are creating memories. When the boys will be older, I know they will remember me attending school…but I want them to remember the quality time we have spent together and supported each other.
I know I will never feel perfectly caught up on all things that I expect of myself. Balance isn’t something I will necessarily find in my multiple roles, but it is something I am always moving towards. Some weeks will be productive for school work, and other weeks may require more “parenting” depending on what the boys may be going through. In the long run, I may be able to figure out how to balance everything that is important to me.
Saturday 4 February 2012
Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids
“Child prodigy Adora Svitak says the world needs "childish" thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids' big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups' willingness to learn from children as much as to teach.
“A prolific short story writer and blogger since age seven, Adora Svitak (now 12) speaks around the United States to adults and children as an advocate for literacy.”
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