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Bulletins and Announcements:
New Director of YWCA Child Care Center (5.12.08)
The YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester welcomes Carol Robinson, as its new Director of the Child Care Center. When asked what motivated Carol to this position Ms. Robinson said, “It began when I had my own child, and loved being a mom.” Carol has a deep love for children and a passion for early childhood education. Graduating with a Masters in early childhood education from Bank Street College, Ms. Robinson enters the organization with extensive experience in the childcare and development field.
Through her vast knowledge of early childhood programs, and her years of serving as the Infant/Toddler Specialist for the Child Care Council of Westchester Inc., Ms. Robinson has provided a wide array of support programs for many centers in the areas of curriculum, staff development, technical assistance, and business management. Prior to the Council, Ms. Robinson was the program coordinator with Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. The YWCA is proud and delighted to welcome her on board. Ms. Robinson, a native of Jamaica, and a dynamic and highly recommended professional succeeds Carol Dubiel who retired after leading the program at the YWCA for 19 years.
The YWCA Child Care Center of White Plains care giving philosophy is based on our knowledge of how children develop and learn. Our staff strives to create safe, nurturing, child centered environments that are age appropriate for children 8 weeks to 5 years old. Our educational philosophy reflects the mission of the YWCA, which encourages familiarity with and respect for all cultures. The Child Care Center, situated in a wing of the YWCA Activities Building, offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for children. Enrichment activities such as music, nature, and participation in other classes at the YWCA like gymnastics and swimming are incorporated into the Child Care Program.
Salute to Women & Racial Justice Awardees Announced
Letter to the United Nations Security Council re: Kenya
Last July, the World YWCA hosted its World Council meeting and an International HIV/AIDS Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. More than 3000 people attended from 122 countries including noted professionals on HIV/AIDS from across the globe. Those of us traveling to Kenya from the YWCAs Northeast Region (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey) found Nairobi to be welcoming and stable. President Mwai Kibaki spoke at the conference in support of women’s initiatives and health concerns and newspapers reported on economic and human rights gains within the country.
How quickly things can change, and indeed they did, following the December 27 elections. The political crisis in Kenya unleashed underlying ethnic sentiments exhibited in the brutal killing of members of rival ethnic groups. While the short-term effort is an end to violence, the long-term effort must focus on building communities of respect, tolerance, and reverence for diversity. The leadership of women is crucial in this endeavor.
During the World Council Meeting, there were several resolutions passed that focused on implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 calling for the inclusion of women in conflict resolution – one each from Canada and the Congo and a joint resolution brought by Palestine and the United States. Ending the violence is only the beginning for a lasting solution. Like UN Resolution 1325, the African Union Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality calls for the inclusion of women in the peace making process.
Women must be part of key mediation teams working on a political solution between the Kenyan government and the opposition party. Currently, there are no women in the established mediation teams yet women make up 50% of the population and number close to half of the registered voters.
The poor, particularly women and girls who are being raped, are the unfortunate victims in this volatile situation with few safe havens available. This sexual violence will only add to the HIV/AIDS epidemic so widespread not only in Kenya but all of Africa.
As a delegate for the Northeast Region, I personally participated in the World Council meeting in Nairobi this past summer. It is an amazing country, rich with culture and blessed with land and soil that one could only imagine. The devastation that is currently occurring is a nightmare for those who live it and unbelievable for those of us who visited. It is incumbent upon us to take on the responsibility of responding to these humanitarian causes. We are a global community.
The YWCAs of the Northeast Region call for immediate relief measures for the civilian population, especially the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls including access to rape crisis facilities and counselors, HIV prevention drugs and sanitary products. We also call for the leadership of women in negotiations for peace and increased funding for UNIFEM that more closely matches monies and staff supporting UNICEF.
Melanie FitzGerald, Regional Director, NERC
Erika McConduit, COO – YWCA of White Plains
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