Shakira has made early childhood development a priority!
And I like to think I have helped make it a priority in the Washington metropolitan area.
Shakira has made policy a focus — policies that have long lasting impact on children’s well being such as nutrition, medical care and early education.
I like to think the Early Care and Education Funder’s Collaborative’s focus on advocacy will make long lasting impact on the well-being of children in low-income communities in the region!
Shakira believes in collaboration and thinks that private charities cannot do it alone! She thinks public government implementing many of the early childhood programs should be partners in creating long-term change.
I like to think that the Early Care and Education Funders Collaborative is a model of collaboration working in partnership with the public government to make long-term systemic changes.
Shakira has made the least glamorous issue fashionable – how can early childhood development and teaching very young poor children be glamorous to those who have influence?
I like to think I helped make early childhood development “fashionable” here at The Women’s Foundation. It has been an important issue for the region for many years, and now a priority for The Women’s Foundation!
Would you ever think that Shakira and I were kindred spirits — motivated by the same hope that every child, especially in desperate situations — receive quality early education to ensure they are prepared for school, but more importantly for life?
Well, think again! When it comes to early care and education, Shakira and I are on the same page!
HyeSook Chung is The Women’s Foundation’s Program Officer for Early Care and Education. (And from now on, her nickname at the office will be Shakira.)
