- In this film, the audience was given an eye-opening account of the daily hardships, struggles, and obstacles young women and girls are facing throughout the world today. This documentary shared with us the personal accounts of nine different girls from countries including: Haiti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Nepal, India, Peru, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan. The stories shared told of natural disasters, violence, slavery, arranged marriages, and death. In the midst of all of this sadness, many of the girls described their hope and admiration for a better life, revolving around receiving an education.
- A central theme running throughout this documentary was the impact that education has on individuals, particularly girls. Many statistics were given such as, 50% of all sexual assaults happen to girls under the age of fifteen, 14 million girls under the age of eighteen will be married this year (majority not by choice), girls have a 1 in 4 chance of being born into poverty, and the number one leading cause of death for girls between the ages of fifteen and nineteen is child birth. However, the film suggested that if more girls around the world were able to receive an education, numerous positive changes would occur. For example, women with an education are more likely to have educated children and children that live longer. Furthermore, more girls attending school and becoming educated could result in less HIV cases, a slow down of AIDs and a growth in the global economy. Thus, I believe this film hoped to show how by educating women, they can become empowered!
- After watching this documentary, I realized just how much in life I take for granted, particularly with my education. Constantly I am complaining about a homework assignment I have to complete or an exam coming up, without thinking how lucky I am just to have the opportunity to do these things. In the film, girls were fighting for the chance just to go to school. This really put into perspective how fortunate we truly are! With that, I want to work better to not complain and fuss about things related to school, when I know there are girls out there that would do anything to be in my position.
To elaborate on my first point, I want to share the story of one of the girls in the film that really resonated with me. Wadley is a young girl from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Prior to the earthquake in 2010, Wadley was fortunate enough to have the means necessary to attend school. However, after the devastating earthquake occurred, her home and schoolhouse were destroyed, forcing her and her mother to move to a tent city. During this time of change, Wadley became responsible for going to fetch water each day; one day while out, she noticed an outdoor classroom had been set up and her former teacher was teaching students. When Wadley tried to join the class, she was turned away because her mother was not able to pay the required fee. However, Wadley was so determined to go to school that she came back, sat with the class, and when the teacher asked if she had payed the fine, she said, "No." When the teacher told her to leave, Wadley refused, saying she would come back each and every day until she was allowed to stay. It was such a beautiful thing to see the teacher allow Wadley to remain in the schoolhouse! I was drawn to this particular story, as in 2010, I had the opportunity to visit Haiti and work in orphanages after the earthquake. I was surrounded with children, like Wadley, who remained so optimistic and happy about life, despite the heartbreaking circumstances taking place around them. It was so great to see in this film how excited and passionate this young child is about her education and that is so encouraging as a future educator of children!
The following link, Girl Rising, is the website linked to this documentary that provides even more information about the film, and the movement to educate girls.
Wow, cool. Sounds like this was a great film to see. I've got a few questions. Which of the statistics was most compelling for you and what makes it meaningful for you? What kind of steps might you take to help your future students understand the worldwide differences that exist? That's great you went to Haiti. I'm sure that was an incredible experience. What kind of motivational theory relates to the story of Wadley?
ReplyDeleteThe statistic I found most compelling was the number of girls under the age of eighteen that will be married this year. Hearing how so many of these girls are forced into these arranged marriages at such a young age is a scary thought. They are not getting the opportunity to pursue their own goals and dreams, but instead are following the families' wishes. I think this is just so hard to imagine being told you have to marry a man at the age of fourteen and bear him children! I just wonder how this cycle could ever be broken in countries where this is the norm?
ReplyDeleteIn an early childhood classroom, a step I plan to take to help my children understand differences is through literature. I want to incorporate books into my classroom that discuss the differences we all have and introduce ideas about how our world and its people are so diverse. Furthermore, I want to have a safe classroom environment where open discussions about these topics can occur; I want children to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their ideas about differences, and as their teacher, I want to be open and honest with them.
I believe that Wadley is intrinsically motivated to attend school and receive an education. The act of being in a schoolhouse gives her great pleasure in and of itself. Nobody else is forcing Wadley to attend school and there are no external factors influencing her decision. Rather, her love for school and learning motivates her to not give up on getting an education. I believe this best fits in with a cognitive theory of motivation as Ormord (2011) describes, "learners tend to be more intrinsically motivated when they believe they have some control and choice in their activities - in other words, when they have a sense of self-determination" (p. 363). The word that I feel best describes Wadley is determined; she is determined to not give up on what she loves-and that is school.
Cool, good thinking. One thing that I see here: you see women being forced into marriage, following their families' wishes rather than their own. Within a culture, the value on individual wishes can vary--in the USA we value individual freedom over group cohesion, for the most part. So when you have books that discuss differences, if your students get to see a wide range of cultural practices, it's possible that they will be able to appreciate a different set of values.
ReplyDelete