Celebrating our Humble Heroes

e l b m u H " r Ou " s e o r He

VOL.01

NEVER FORGET

NOKU KWENDA YOUTH VOICE CREATIVE

CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS & CHILDCARE WORKERS DURING COVID THE YOUTH VOICE CREATIVE The 11th of March 2020. Some of us were oblivious of what had been taking place in the world, some following it closely.

On this day we all came to terms with the fact, that we were in a pandemic.

We would listen to the news, gossiping about this apocalyptic state the world was suddenly in, all whilst in our little bubble at our schools where almost everything was seemingly normal, but that all changed for students in Victoria on the 30th of March, 2020. Victoria’s first lockdown.

In this issue, I'd like to celebrate the tireless efforts of our educators and caretakers in Victoria, and through Australia during our difficult lockdown period

CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS & CHILDCARE WORKERS DURING COVID THE YOUTH VOICE CREATIVE From the get go, panic quickly oozed throughout communities, bringing stress for all individuals, questioning if they could continue bringing food on the table, or even had a job, and Victorians had no idea that this would be a common occurrence in the next two years. The lockdowns affected people in many ways, and gave us a million more reasons to be grateful for people in our community. Small businesses, retail shops, fast food, healthcare workers, airport workers, and many more. It seemed like there was no hope yet. However, teachers and childcare workers sacrificed their time, money and sanity throughout the country, to ensure children, teens and young adults could remain to access one imperative thing. An education.

Attending school and educational services at home was unprecedented, but it happened regardless. Teachers organised attendance systems, and ways to make the lessons remain engaging to retain student interest. They manoeuvred their way around difficult tech systems, and persisted day after day to ensure they were giving students top quality education, despite the limitations. I like to call teachers the “forgotten frontline” of the community. Through the despair and turmoil ravaging the state, they remained to deliver positive messages to their student, providing a support system. They had to adapt suddenly to complex digital systems and technologies, and find ways to support students with limited technologies at their homes. A testament to their perseverance.

CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS & CHILDCARE WORKERS DURING COVID THE YOUTH VOICE CREATIVE Our commendable childcare workers are also worth celebrating. To quote, “Why is early childhood educators’ work viewed so minimal compared to others? During this crisis, we’re expected to be frontliners - now others see our value in society. How important we are!” – Anita, child care provider from Greensboro, NC. I personally couldn’t agree more.

Childcare workers greatly contribute to the early stages of development in children, and whilst social interaction was at an all time low for children during the pandemic, they tirelessly made up for it, finding ways to bring joy in sometimes empty space. The possibility of them risking their own health but continuing looking after many children, is representative of their passionate and caring personality that drove their commendable work serving the children and families of their local communities

Next time you greet teachers, or childcare workers, thank them for the work they do for the community. Helping build up our future and expand our knowledge. Let’s celebrate our opportunity of receiving an education in a pandemic when many others haven’t, let’s celebrate our source of hope and optimism when it seemed like there was no end, not forgetting the humble heroes that gave students and children hope throughout the state.