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Family Engagement

The Vital Role of Parental Engagement in School

September 5, 2022 By Zavia Jarrett

Without parental engagement in schools, the educational process is certainly incomplete. That is why so many after-school programs, including The Village Method, have perfected their family engagement methods. In consequence, research has shown that student success increases considerably, all thanks to the presence of parental engagement in schools.

 

From staying in school to earning higher grades, the child’s education and academic achievement have both been impacted positively. Considering the fact that systemic racism in education is extremely prevalent, it is encouraging to take a look at the benefits of parental engagement in schools.

 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why family engagement activities are a necessary component of student success. If we can engage parents the right way, the possibilities of closing the achievement gap are endless. 

 

Parental Engagement in Schools Facilitates Two-Way Communication

Parent involvement should be widespread in all school matters, regardless of the families’ socioeconomic status. In fact, educators and various other school partners must fully involve parents in things such as the learning process, as well as the common challenges that their children might encounter. This sense of shared responsibility can be a clear response to systemic racism in education.

 

Parent engagement activities are a rare opportunity to build relationships and encourage family and community involvement. Here is a brief list of things that educators should keep in mind to increase parent engagement:

 

  • Focus on the families’ culture, expertise, and strengths
  • Make sure that the school climate is positive
  • Ensure that racial injustice in the classroom is addressed in a respectful and mindful way
  • Learn from  families and trust that they know better when it comes to their children and their African ancestry
  • Acknowledge  systemic racism in education and use it as a catalyst for better academic achievement

 

Open communication leads to better parent engagement. School leaders who are promoting parent engagement need to pay close attention to the efficiency of the communication between educators and families. Student achievement is at stake here. 

 

Parental Engagement in Schools Encourages Learning at Home

Image credit: Freepik

Family engagement activities rely on total parental involvement. The road to academic excellence doesn’t have to be similar to diving into the great unknown. In fact, the pandemic has shifted things by encouraging family-school partnerships to come to fruition. 

 

A never-before-seen phenomenon, family engagement activities soon became the norm. Unlike before, parents got involved in the educational process and got first-hand experience of how their children interacted with both their educators and their peers.

 

Furthermore, they were able to regularly help them with various projects and even with homework. This kind of authentic parent engagement was proof that families could help with learning at home. All they needed was the confidence to get involved and the ongoing communication with the educators. 

 

Systemic racism in education was as impactful as ever before the pandemic. In fact, nondominant families are treated at best as spectators of the work of schools. We believe that the gap between home and school has been bridged by the pandemic. It is our duty to make sure that this beneficial connection will stand the test of time. 

 

Parental Engagement in Schools and Empowerment

Engaging parents can be empowering. The Critical Race Theory is either banned or limited in several states. Teachers are still showing signs of apprehension when it comes to discussing race openly and honestly.

Even during Black History Month, things continue to be difficult. The history of our people is deliberately being silenced and replaced with a version of events that fails to empower our children. For this reason, after-school programs are taking matters into their own hands while intensively promoting family engagement activities. 

Both families and children can learn about the African way of living, explore the untold stories of their ancestors, and become empowered thanks to their newfound knowledge. Culturally responsive after-school programs provide alternatives that sustain parent involvement and raise questions that need urgent answering.

 

Our Children Need Parental Engagement in Schools 

However, we need to have a say regarding what our children are being taught. The curriculum needs to be revised and Critical Race Theory should definitely be widespread. The fact that our people’s voices are continuously stifled is a clear red flag. 

 

The vital role played by family engagement activities is recognized by after-school programs. It is time for school districts to focus on parent involvement. Student behavior will improve, academic achievement will flourish, and our children will become empowered and aware of their African ancestry, once and for all. 

 

The Village Method is dedicated to bringing parental engagement closer to young scholars and their families. We believe that parents are experts when it comes to their children’s needs. It takes a village to raise a child, according to the ancient African proverb. This is our definitive motto.

 

It is our mission to build villages of academically successful children. For that, we’ll need your help. Get involved now and lend a hand to our children. The adults of tomorrow need your support!

Filed Under: Academic Excellence, Family Engagement, TVM Parent Corner

How Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Promotes Educational Equity

June 6, 2022 By Zavia Jarrett

Educating and nurturing the whole child is an art. To create a learning environment based on equity, it’s best that we take a look at the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) framework. 

You might wonder how this particular framework could help our children. Social and Emotional Learning promotes educational equity by establishing harmonious relationships between the families and educators. 

This is made possible with the help of intensive family engagement activities. Collaborative relationships are the key ingredient to a successful academic journey. Social and Emotional Learning also emphasizes the importance of empowering children and encouraging them to help co-create an equitable schooling system. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the value that the Social and Emotional Learning framework can add to our children’s lives and how it counteracts systemic racism. Read on to find out more!

A Brief History of Social and Emotional Learning 

It is safe to say that modern Social and Emotional Learning has been developed by a Black man. New Haven residents had the unprecedented opportunity of enjoying the wonders of this framework, all thanks to Dr. James Comer. 

The Comer School Development Program had one main goal in sight ━ to help poor ethnic minority youth achieve educational equity and excellence, despite rampant systemic racism.

Dr. James Comer recognized the importance of family engagement activities right from the start. He saw family engagement as a way to gain parents’ trust so they would collaborate with their children’s educators. 

In his book titled School Power (1980), he reiterated the importance of implementing family engagement activities for the improvement of overall student achievement. Dr. James Comer’s efforts paved the way for the CASEL organization. CASEL cemented the universal importance of the Social and Emotional Learning framework.

Without a welcoming school climate and a culturally affirming curriculum, our children will continue to be victimized by intergenerational poverty and systemic racism.

 

Why After-School Programs Value Social and Emotional Learning 

Image credit: Freepik

While schools may still hesitate to make use of the Social and Emotional Learning framework, most after-school programs prove that they are early adopters for all the right reasons. The ever-changing needs of our youth need to be addressed right away.

The biased manner of educating minorities is counteracted by the myriad of culturally respectful and responsive after-school programs available out there. As concerned parents and educators, we have the responsibility to search for empowering alternatives.

After-school activities that involve the Social and Emotional Learning framework are actively encouraging better academic outcomes and are promoting some of the most valuable problem-solving abilities that a child could possess. 

Our children deserve to participate in safe and emotionally healthy after-school activities. Research has shown that Social and Emotional Learning has a positive, long-lasting impact on K-12 students, among many other things. 

Educational equity is the driving force behind all after-school activities that apply the principles of Social and Emotional Learning. 

 

Social and Emotional Learning Ends Systemic Racism

It has been shown that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have weaker Social and Emotional Learning skills. Getting into college and having a successful career all depend on how well these skills are inculcated. 

Here are the 5 types of Social and Emotional Learning skills:

  • Self-awareness skills – This set of skills involves a child’s ability to become aware of their emotions and cultural assets. Developing a sense of belonging to their African culture is of the utmost importance.
  • Self-management skills – These are perhaps the most important college and career-oriented skills that the Social and Emotional Learning framework provides. They revolve around managing one’s emotions, learning how to manage one’s stress levels, as well as making use of organizational and planning skills in order to cultivate emotional and mental resilience. 
  • Social awareness skills – The children learn how to identify cultural and social norms and learn how to distinguish between fair and unfair norms They learn how to be empathetic with others and how to recognize their strengths. Most important of all, our youth learns how systemic racism works and how to identify it in others’ behaviors and mindsets.
  • Relationship skills – Our youth learns how to nurture healthy, long-lasting relationships with others. They are encouraged to collaborate, communicate their concerns, and have the ability to resolve conflicts by using conflict resolution skills.
  • Responsible decision-making skills – At both an individual and institutional level, responsible decision-making skills stand out the most as yet another empathetic outlook at how one should behave in society. By making the right decisions for oneself and for others, the current social norms will be preserved while the ethical standards will continue to thrive. The child learns how to look out for others as well as for their own mental and emotional wellbeing.

 

Our youth is in dire need of learning and using these skills. Without them, systemic racism will certainly continue to affect the lives of many.

 

Does Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Promote Educational Equity?

It most certainly does. This framework not only helps our children build social and emotional skills, but also helps them to identify the damaging effects of systemic racism. In a country where most institutions perpetuate racial biases, it’s important to look for solutions.

Until all schools decide to implement this framework, we strongly suggest that you seek out culturally affirming after-school activities. Their efforts to improve student achievement and empower both parents and children via family engagement activities are unparalleled. 

The Village Method is more than a regular after-school program. Above all, we value youth development, family engagement, and community outreach programming. 

Our main mission is to bring our youth closer to their dreams while familiarizing them with their strong African roots, culture, and traditions. We make use of the Social and Emotional Learning framework as a way to nurture the whole child.

Get involved today and help us build a village of joyful children, parents, and educators!

Filed Under: Academic Excellence, Family Engagement

The School-Home Relationship: 4 Ways to Improve It

May 30, 2022 By Zavia Jarrett

Non Dominant families have rarely had the opportunity to build strong school-home relationships. This has everything to do with systemic racism and the lack of trust when it comes to the unique expertise of each parent regarding their children. Thankfully, family engagement is here to change that.

The COVID-19 pandemic, as challenging as it was, has managed to achieve the impossible. Parents have had the rare chance to join their children on their academic journeys and watch their interactions with both their educators and peers. 

The pandemic has been an unexpected equalizer, as it has managed to dismantle centuries of racial, linguistic, and class-based judgments that stem from educational inequity. Nondominant families are slowly being acknowledged as valuable partners of the schools. 

However, how are we going to maintain this temporary interest in parental engagement alive and well for decades to come? In this article, we’ll explore the 4 ways in which schools can aim to improve their current school-home dynamics. Read on to find out more!

 

Acknowledging the Importance of Family Engagement Activities

According to the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement, family engagement is a responsibility that is shared by schools and various organizations. Their collective effort is to reach out and engage the children’s families in such a way that both the children’s learning and development end up being positively impacted. 

The purpose of family engagement activities is to bring a far more liberatory, culturally affirming perspective on the school-home relationship. Educational inequity is largely reinforced by the lack of meaningful parental engagement. 

Educators and families must become partners. Their relationship should be based on equality and recognition. They should consistently collaborate via a codesign model of partnership. The families’ wisdom, experience, and cultural knowledge should be valued rather than ignored.

Unfortunately, systemic racism has affected the way in which parents of color are being perceived. Discrimination, either conscious or subconscious, impacts countless families throughout our nation. 

By participating in meaningful, culturally respectful family engagement activities, we could maintain the positive change brought forth by the pandemic. The gap between the home and school can only be bridged by acknowledging just how effective parental engagement can be.

 

Seeking After-School Programs That Reinforce the Importance of Family Engagement 

Mother and son spending time together Free Photo
Image credit: Freepik

Most after-school activities make it their mission to help our young ones keep up with their homework and stay safe after the schooling hours are over. This is most definitely not enough to nurture all the different facets and needs of a child. 

That is why we highly encourage you to look into culturally affirming and respectful after-school programs. Here are the main attributes that all great after-school programs have in common:

  • They offer family engagement activities – This is one of the best after-school activities that a child could pursue throughout their K-12 years. Connected children, adults, and institutions have the power to undo educational inequity.
  • They support the life of the whole-child – Our youth necessitates youth and family services and programming in order to step out confidently into the world. Their entire academic journey depends on this, as well as their chances of getting into their desired colleges.
  • They celebrate African culture – It should come as no surprise that African culture is extraordinarily rich and vibrant. The history of our people is worth sharing with the younger generations. The current curriculum fails our children more than anything. It is time to invest in after-school programs that bring awareness to Afrocentric ways of living.

 

Celebrating Afrocentric After-School Activities

Systemic racism relies on the ignorance of our people. Our lack of knowledge regarding our people’s history and heritage perpetuates long-standing inequities. Our children deserve to know about the power and impact of their African ancestry.

Afrocentric after-school activities may not be easy to find. However, once you do pinpoint such initiatives, make sure to at least give them a try. 

In order to witness the dismantling of educational inequity and systemic racism during our lifetimes, we must provide our children with Afrocentric education.

Racism and marginalization are concepts that no child should ever have to experience. Instead, they should surpass the curriculum that is being handed to them and assert the power of their African culture.

 

Exercising Academic Excellence

Our children are fully capable of greatness. They simply need some assistance during their early years in order to reach their goals. Academic excellence can be exercised both at school and with the help of after-school activities.

By developing academic and cultural pipelines, our youth has greater chances of effortlessly advancing from their K-12 years to college, from college to career, and from career right back to the communities that nurtured them into successful adults.

It all starts with acknowledging the limitations of the curriculum and of the schooling system. After-school activities not only improve the school-home relationship, but also preserve its core attributes for years to come.

 

The Conclusion Is…

In order to improve and preserve the hard-earned connection between families and educators, you can follow our four tips. As you’ve seen, respectful family engagement activities and culturally affirming after-school programs are crucial. 

Also, embracing an Afrocentric approach when it comes to education while exercising academic excellence will come in handy when your mission is to build a powerful bridge between the school and home.

The Village Method is more than a regular after-school program. Above all, we value youth development, family engagement, and community outreach programming. Our mission is to bring our youth closer to their dreams while familiarizing them with their strong African roots, culture, and traditions.

Get involved today and help us build a village of joyful children, parents, and educators! 

Filed Under: Family Engagement, TVM Parent Corner

The Critical Race Theory (CRT) In Schools: 3 Reasons Why

May 9, 2022 By Zavia Jarrett

During the 1970s and early 1980s, renowned professor and author Derrick Bell pioneered the fight for equality like no other. Thanks to his groundbreaking philosophical writings, he, along with other legal scholars, has managed to initiate one of the most relevant theories of the 20th century ━ the Critical Race Theory.

Professor Derrick Bell’s input ended up being vital for the popularization of this academic framework, as he relentlessly expressed his concerns regarding systemic racism and discrimination based on race, all with the help of his writings. 

His 1970 text titled ‘Race, Racism, and American Law’ remains one of the most forward-thinking think pieces fueled by the rise of the civil rights movement.

With the educational system systematically denying the inclusion of our rich African ancestry and history, it is definitely time to start seeking out alternatives. 

Culturally affirming after-school activities and programs are the definitive answer. The adults of tomorrow need to get in touch with their roots before they can start building the lives of their dreams.

In this article, we’re going to explore the cultural and educational importance of the Critical Race Theory as well as the necessity to include it in the curriculum. We invite you to keep on reading!

 

The Critical Race Theory Highlights the Real History of Our People

In a world where the main narrative is consistently being controlled, it should come as no surprise that the curriculum deliberately fails to include the history of our people. Our youth can easily become disenchanted with the incomplete version of events that they’re being taught, and rightfully so.

The Critical Race Theory aims to shed light on the fact that all minorities in the United States are subservient to the interest of the system, which is predominantly comprised of white elites. Therefore, the curriculum excludes the history and experiences that define African culture. 

Since most schools and colleges refute our history and the Critical Race Theory, it’s important to offer our children a balanced outlook on the world. After-school programs accompanied by intensive family engagement activities have become a necessity.

It’s been shown numerous times that after-school activities provide us with the unprecedented opportunity of bridging the gap between the home and school while simultaneously dismantling systemic racism, piece by piece.

By familiarizing our youth with the Brown v. Board of Education landmark decision, the truth about the segregation, or the fight for literation and educational emancipation, we will be counteracting systematic racism, step by step.

 

The Critical Race Theory Is A Catalyst For Change

Multiethnic group of young cheerful students standing outdoors Free Photo
Image credit: Freepik

Systemic racism can be exposed for what it truly is, beginning with the early K-12 years. This can only happen when family engagement activities are prioritized and encouraged by educators. The Critical Race Theory could definitely help bring about some much-needed social changes.

However, with Republican officials banning the Critical Race Theory, this is easier said than done. After-school activities that aim to bring awareness regarding inequity issues should be supported by both parents and educators. Changing the deeply racist fabric of our American society starts with one child, parent, or educator at a time.

It is never too late to teach your child how to discern between what is fair and what is profoundly discriminatory. Family engagement activities are intended to motivate both children and their parents to collaborate and learn new things together. We can efficiently implement social changes by encouraging all generations to join forces and stand united.

 

The Critical Race Theory Discourages Deficit-Based Outlooks

Parents who are part of minorities have always suffered due to discrimination. They are rarely seen as valuable partners when it comes to collaborating with their children’s educators. The Critical Race theory could help stop this deeply racist phenomenon. 

Culturally responsive after-school programs that draw inspiration from this framework can help shift the focus from a deficit-based outlook to acknowledging how valuable and knowledgeable parents can be. After all, they know their children better than anybody else, so why restrict their involvement and silence their voices?

Social and Emotional Learning is also a framework that is currently used for various after-school programs. This framework sets the tone for equity and equips the children with skills that they will need throughout their careers.

Although the Critical Race Theory is often criticized by those who fail to comprehend its complexity, it’s important to keep its flame alive by signing up our youth for after-school activities that promote its timeless principles.

 

So, Do We Need The Critical Race Theory In Schools?

Absolutely. However, the constant political debates and misrepresentation fail to bring consensus to the importance of the Critical Race Theory. The schooling system has many children of color under its wing, and it needs to start acting in their best interests.

The Village Method has been an active advocate and supporter of culturally affirming after-school programs that engage with parents via family engagement activities. We have also constantly supported the propagation of the Critical Race Theory as one of the few catalysts for sustainable social, political, and economic change.

We invite you to explore our cause by visiting our website, volunteering, or simply donating. We believe that many children will benefit from your ongoing support. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. We are here to do just that, and more.

Filed Under: Culture, Family Engagement

Can Nonprofit Organizations Dismantle Systemic Racism?

May 2, 2022 By Zavia Jarrett

The widespread influence of systemic racism is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society. The massive cultural, educational, and historical sabotage has been taking place for centuries. The curriculum contains no traces of our real, African history. This pushes our people to seek alternatives, such as culturally affirming after-school programs.

According to the Critical Race Theory, it’s important for everyone to acknowledge the struggles of our ancestors and consciously strive for a less racist future, especially when it comes to our children. They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and consideration, starting with their early years in school. 

However, things are easier said than done. The rampant force of systemic racism is unlikely to slow down and we, as parents and educators, have to seek practical solutions as soon as possible. There is no time to waste, especially when our children are purposefully kept in the dark about their own African culture and ancestry. 

In this article, we’d like you to become familiar with some of the best nonprofit organizations that relentlessly aim to dismantle the institutional racism that, sadly, seems to characterize our nation. 

 

The Children’s Defense Fund

Established over four decades ago, The Children’s Defense Fund stands out as a force to be reckoned with. Not only do they acknowledge the pervasive educational inequity, but they also work with Congress and the federal government in order to shed light on our youth’s various issues. Their after-school activities stand out as brilliant strategies for counteracting poverty. 

It’s important to point out just how vital after-school activities are to our community. According to the Afterschool Alliance’s America After 3 PM study, the demand for after-school activities remains high and unmet. The COVID-19 pandemic is mostly responsible for this incredible interest in qualitative after-school programs. 

What The Children’s Defense Fund promotes is something very close to our hearts. One of their many after-school programs aims to provide K-12 students with culturally relevant and high-quality books that uplift African history and traditions. We strongly believe that knowledge is power and that our children deserve to familiarize themselves with the African way of living and learning.

 

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ)

Of course, we couldn’t talk about extraordinary nonprofit organizations without mentioning Harlem’s Children’s Zone (HCZ). Their history is nothing short of fascinating. Determined to end intergenerational poverty in the Harlem area, HCZ has managed to achieve in two decades what others could not in centuries. 

Their complex after-school programs take inspiration from the Social and Emotional Learning framework, among many other things. By focusing on the child’s mental and emotional wellbeing, the journey to college becomes increasingly easier to tackle. 

Their cause resonates with ours, at The Village Method, because it aims to connect children and their families through meaningful family engagement activities. Our young ones deserve a fair chance at getting into their dream colleges. During their K-12 years, they should set a secure foundation for their success. HCZ makes a promise to all its young scholars. They will get into college, against all odds. 

 

Comer School Development Program

This incredible program was initiated over five decades ago, for low-income and low-achievement elementary schools. Since then, the Comer School Development Program has been implemented in more than 1000 schools. This impressive milestone speaks of the program’s high effectiveness.

The school management team, children, and their parents are challenged to join forces and come up with a plan for each school’s overall wellbeing. This is an awesome example of how powerful family engagement can be. 

 

The Village Method (TVM)

Image credit: The Village Method

What makes our mission stand out from other after-school programs is that we focus on nurturing the life of a whole child. The Village Method gives traditional after-school activities a much-needed twist with the help of family engagement activities and Social and Emotional Learning.

We are strong advocates of providing children with a historically accurate outlook on their African roots. The curriculum fails to include our people’s real history. The richness of African culture and traditions is simply undeniable. Our children deserve to absorb this vital knowledge very early on. 

We are also determined to get all children into their dream colleges. First-generation college students have always struggled to find the necessary motivation and resources to fulfill their academic dreams. That is why we’ve established ScholarPrep Nation in order to help future college students and their parents along the way.

 

The Conclusion Is…

Yes, nonprofit organizations can surely help tone down the intensity of systemic racism. The fact that the Critical Race Theory remains outside the current curriculum should raise our concerns and make us think. Is the schooling system enough to help our children become the self-aware, empowered adults of tomorrow?

Qualitative and culturally respectful after-school programs are what all parents should look into. Not only are they essential for the harmonious nurturing of the students, but they also tend to their hunger for Afrocentric knowledge.

The Village Method is here to provide its scholars with high-quality after-school programs that uplift the African tradition. Our incredibly rich cultural heritage requires its rightful credit. We invite you to explore our cause by visiting our website, volunteering, or simply donating. We believe that your ongoing support will benefit many children, and we invite you to stay tuned for our next blog post

Filed Under: Culture, Family Engagement, Village Method

Changing the World, One Child at a Time

April 18, 2022 By Zavia Jarrett

The educational system has changed dramatically over the past couple of years. There was not one child in the world left unaffected by the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Chaos and confusion loomed over our families for the longest time. That was until we gathered our remaining strength and decided to do something with the time at home that was imposed on us.

During the lockdown, we had the rare opportunity to watch our children attend their virtual classes, do their homework, interact with their peers and educators, and deal with the challenges of remote learning.

The importance of family engagement activities was unexpectedly highlighted, offering both parents and educators the chance to come together and motivate the students during these uncertain times. 

We, at The Village Method, have always been ardent supporters of after-school activities with a culturally empowering twist. We were also deeply aware of the importance of family engagement activities long before the pandemic struck. 

To watch the world adopt these practices has been wonderful so far. In this article, we’re looking at how we could change the world, one child at a time. Read on!

 

Reimagining After-School & Family Engagement Activities

Because we love elevating others’ causes, we’d like to introduce you to Harlem Children’s Zone. This iconic organization has managed to bring academic excellence to the children of Central Harlem. 

Their restless fight against intergenerational poverty has even reached President Barack Obama’s ears. This incredible, Black-owned initiative has managed to change young people’s lives for the better. 

The youth’s road to college was safely paved by Harlem Children’s Zone. They remain a long-standing inspiration for all education-oriented organizations, including our own.

Once again, we can all agree that effective and culturally responsive after-school activities have the potential to pull several communities out of the quicksand of poverty, systemic racism, inequity, and discrimination.

We also believe that our youth should attend extracurricular activities that enhance their Social Emotional Learning skills. 

Also, it is imperious that our children are encouraged to explore the rich African heritage that is so massively overlooked by the school curriculum.

Only by getting to know your culture and history can you have an impact on the world’s current trajectory. We believe that this is the ideal foundation on which schools should build upon.

 

Drawing Inspiration from the Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Happy kids at an elementary school Free Photo
Image credit: Freepik

The Critical Race Theory is still an underrated source of inspiration for all educators who are determined to break the systemic racism that runs rampant in our schools. 

The Critical Race Theory is here to remind us that our people are still being treated as second-class citizens, regardless of the apparent advancements that our nation has managed to achieve. 

Systemic racism has deeply permeated our society. This is a fact that we must come to terms with.

When it comes to education, the Critical Race Theory also recognizes that the current curriculum disregards the history of our people and instead pushes a white narrative upon our children. 

We are also perceived through a deficit-tinted lens, which makes it almost impossible to elevate our youth via powerful family engagement in schools. 

It might seem like the gaps are perhaps too wide to bridge and they surely are. However, if we make it our mission to educate parents, educators, and children on what the Critical Race Theory is, we might have a solid chance to diminish the impact of racially segregated education.

 

Lending Working Families a Helping Hand

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the inability of most working families to tend to their children’s educational needs. All educators should be determined to provide families with safe and culturally affirming spaces that aim to elevate respectful family engagement activities.

Parental engagement is difficult when most educators perceive parents of color as uneducated, distracted, and unwilling to offer their children a chance at a better future. 

The tacit discrimination of parents can have disastrous effects on the academic journey of a child. Our youth deserves to witness harmonious relationships between their parents and educators. They deserve to partake in wonderful, memorable parental engagement activities.

The pandemic has taught both working families and educators how to leave aside all differences and come together. The young ones are inclined to perform better academically when their parents are involved every step of the way.

Isn’t it what we all dream of? To watch our children graduate college and lead happy and healthy lives? This is easier said than done and depends entirely on what we choose to do with the time and resources that are given to us right now.

 

The Conclusion Is…

In order to change the world and infuse it with equity and compassion, we need to inspect the tools and strategies which we currently possess. 

Once we decide that our children deserve better, we will do whatever it takes to watch them grow into dependable, powerful, self-aware, and proud African-American citizens. 

We, as their parents and educators, must provide them early on with the best programs available. That way, we will secure their shot at a successful life. 

There is no other way to do this but to encourage them to become attuned to the wisdom of our African ancestors. It takes a village to raise a child, said an old African proverb. This is what we, at The Village Method, have always strived for.

However, our mission is made impossible without your help. We need you in order to change the world. Help a child by either donating, volunteering or simply spreading the word about our non-profit organization. 

We are deeply thankful for your support and look forward to nurturing future generations of intelligent and culturally aware adults.

Filed Under: Family Engagement, TVM Parent Corner, Village Method

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“The Village Method teaches us to be an awesome scholar not just in class but for the whole community. TVM also helps us to turn from being immature to a proud young scholar.” Seventh Grade… Read more “From being immature to a proud young scholar”

TVM Can’t Stop

“Can’t tell you how much this community means to us! TVM is great for our son, but it means as much (if not more) to our family. This can’t stop! Thank you Mahea and Mark… Read more “TVM Can’t Stop”

Impressed with TVM Leadership

“I volunteered for the better part of a school year with TVM. I was really impressed by the TVM leadership; their continued commitment and drive to have the program succeed was inspirational. (The only reason… Read more “Impressed with TVM Leadership”

It takes a village

The Village Method (TVM) is dedicated to teaching our children not only how to manage their academic success but how to make good life decisions through knowledge and love for our rich African history. I am… Read more “It takes a village”

TVM from a student’s perspective

I like TVM because the people there are so nice. They are always supportive and help whenever they can. They always are willing to teach us about our culture. They are funny and I look… Read more “TVM from a student’s perspective”

All Around Transformational

This program is the first thing in over two years that I had seen my 13 year old son genuinely interested in doing. He came home excited from school after the initial presentation. Since joining… Read more “All Around Transformational”

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info@thevillagemethod.org

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The Village Method is a nonprofit 501(c)3 grassroots organization dedicated to creating a united community that is invested in the success of its youth and families.

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