The state of learning is in flux.  Right now, there are an estimated 850 million children not in school worldwide and currently 70% of schools in the U.S. are closed. Parents, especially single parents and parents who themselves are struggling with unemployment, previous traumas such as trafficking or intimate partner violence, are being asked to chose if they want to teach their children, find or keep their jobs or simply try to survive. There is no right answer and parents everywhere are wondering what will happen this summer and fall. 

The CDC school re-opening guidelines, while focused on the physical health of students and communities, does not take into account the devastating emotional toll on children, and frankly parents, that these recommendations could have if adopted by school districts. Any form of returning back to school involves a risk toward infection for children and their caretakers. Staying home and learning virtually, either in full or in part, creates further chaos for struggling parents and social isolation for children. 

As youth homelessness rises and parents struggle to make ends meet, the reality is that more children now than ever before are left to fend for themselves.  

Today, we speak to Jenny Buccos, a multi-award winning director and producer. She is the founder of the ProjectExplorer educational non-profit, a multimedia education strategist, and an agent for global citizenship. We also speak to Liz Kimbel, Karana Rising’s co-founder and director of programs. She is also a survivor and mother of two young children. 

What are ways we all can support a new learning reality for children across the country while showing compassion to parents and teachers who are struggling.

Learn more about Karana Rising and support survivors at www.karanarising.comLearn more about Project Explorer and sign up for future content at https://www.explr-media.com music by Christen Lien www.christenlien.com