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Letters of support
26th August 2007
To Whom It May Concern,
I am an Early Childhood teacher who has been working as a parent educator, running supported playgroups for vulnerable families in the community. These families may be experiencing a range of issues including geographical isolation, domestic violence, post-natal depression, drug/alcohol abuse, and family dysfunction.
In July this year I attended an Inspir=Ed workshop with my some of my colleagues. At the time of attending I was feeling burnt out by the job I was performing and frustrated by my limitations as an educator. It would be true to say that I found this workshop transformational. The two days I spent with Thanh and Jane totally revived my spirit and rekindled my passion for working in early childhood settings.
I loved the focus on developing resilience in parents and children through finding the beauty and joy in everyday activities. The recognition of childhood as a sacred time and the focus on supporting parents in loving and nurturing their children was fantastic. From feeling exhausted and somewhat overwhelmed by my role as a parent educator, I felt excited and eager to implement some of the craft activities, story and song ideas. More than this though, the workshop validated my own teaching philosophy and challenged some of my working practice, reminding me that my beliefs inform my actions as an educator. I was again brought back to the idea that while as an individual I can only do so much, I can do so with great love.
I truly believe that the Inspir=Ed workshops, with their focus on delivery to local health professionals, can help shape stronger families and a healthier community.
Yours faithfully,
Siobhann Loosmoor
Newcastle