On Thursday, June 20th CFVI released our most recent KIDS COUNT report on the well-being of children in the Virgin Islands. Entitled Our Children Now! Strengthening Supports for Children, the 2012 data report highlights some of the challenges facing our children and families. Response from the community has been strong … requests for the report poured in to CFVI. (If you want a copy of the report, go on line to www.cfvi.net or call the Foundation at 774-6031 for a free copy.)
The Community Foundation and our many partners in business, government, the faith community and the not-for-profit have been working steadily since 2006 to improve the early childhood experience of all our littlest Virgin Islanders. There are signs of progress everywhere you look! To cite a few: new and improved guidelines for the Territory’s day care centers, and a voluntary rating system.… Text4Baby for expectant moms and dads… the Virtues Project… health fairs for families with children… home visiting programs for new moms and dads… and special training to help moms with peri-natal depression.
Being a parent can have some very difficult and stressful moments. From pregnancy to raising school age children, there is so much to consider in ensuring the health, development and well-being of a child. Having resources and support to make informed decisions is critical for any parent – helping mothers and fathers so they don’t feel alone in the journey of parenthood. CFVI efforts are assisting and educating families to make informed decision and to give children the best starts possible
A central message in a CFVI initiative, Born Learning, is that “everyday moments are learning moments.” We interact with our children and react to their behaviors – each day presents new challenges on how to be a parent. Through all these moments, the most important thing you can remember is to talk to your child – all the time. Through local media, signs and promotions, CFVI has been encouraging parents to talk to their babies and children. Tell them stories, describe what you are doing or what you see, look at books and pictures together. It’s just that easy! Talk, talk, talk to your children and encourage them to talk to you!
Children grow and develop quickly and the first five years are the most rapid and lasting development. These precious years also provide the opportunity for the strong bond between a parent and child. Talk to children. Read and play with them. Encourage them to explore the world around them, and to learn from it. You can make a difference with your children, grandchildren, and the young people in your life.
CFVI has accomplished a lot in our community for almost 25 years – but there is a lot more we can do. CFVI is strongly committed to improving the lives of Virgin Islanders with programs and services that make a difference. Through the generous support of individuals, businesses and organizations, CFVI will continue to explore ways to help children have better starts and to ensure families have sustainable futures.
We can each make a difference.
Dee Baecher-Brown
Editor’s note: Dee Baecher-Brown is the president of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI).
