Among our varied interests, my husband and I love to travel. We have recently returned from an educational trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. The history of these two countries and the cultural exposure we had was riveting. The opportunity to see how others live, work, raise their children, and interact was fascinating. We also were able to visit war remembrance sites and see how both countries reconstruct and survive significant tragic events. How we as Americans are perceived and treated is very interesting. Vietnam and Cambodia have experienced invasion, colonization, and political upheavals. The influences brought by the Chinese, Indians, French. Russian and U.S. presence in their land has been significant in their development. People are moving forward with many capitalist endeavors. Growth is astounding as they are large exporters of rice, coffee, cashews, and silk. The combination of old world and new world influences are extraordinary.
Returning home helps me recognize the importance of home, family, environment, education and culture. How we instruct, teach, and support our children is vital. I witnessed children in rural areas of Southeast Asia who attend school in a rickety building without books, paper, and other equipment. I saw remote areas struggling to have competent teachers and supplies. When children only have a sixth grade education as is the case in certain areas of Cambodia, what chance will they have to compete for jobs and rise up economically?
In my work with children in foster care and adoption planning, I constantly see the importance of education and culture. Take a moment to think of the strongest influences in your own life. What country your family originated from, what food do you enjoy, what languages you speak, and what your educational experience has provided for you all work to define who you are. Looking at the world provides perspective. It enlarges one’s scope of understanding and certainly helps me in my specialized area of training.
If you have a world view and appreciate the importance of environment, culture, and education for children, you may want to volunteer to help us at Inner Circle Foster Family Agency and share your knowledge. Please call us at 818-988-6300 to learn how you can help others.