Communities Alive will host the launch of a book on a new approach to character building by Fr. Mark Georges that was published in June. The book is entitled: Anthropology of Integration – a handbook for teachers, parents and educators.
The book is fruit of research and consultation with experts, in particular, the founder of Alive to the World, Christine de Marcellus Vollmer.
The launch will take place on 9 November from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Please contact us if you would like to attend.
The video below is a brief introduction to the work.
Have you ever been a part of a super high – performing team? It can be such a deeply satisfying experience when you get to work with people whose personalities, dedication to a common goal, and individual talents merge in a way that seems like they were made for each other. Even though this will not always be the case as not everyone is compatible, having a common goal can overcome this barrier. If you’ve experienced that kind of inspirational team spirit at work or with an actual sports team you know it doesn’t happen by accident. High performing teams rather than talented individuals carrying the load for everyone else’s benefit are created and nurtured by capable leaders. These leaders know how to create an environment where each individual member has the opportunity to thrive.x
Many of us have also experienced the exact opposite association of teamwork. It all starts with those ill-fated group projects in school where one person did all the work, the rest of the group shared equal credit and it never really changed for any group project thereon or where there are parents often who feel like martyrs destined to sacrifice everything that makes them feel good and strong and valuable as an individual for the sake of their occasionally grateful family.
Do you have a Family? Surprise , you have a family team! Maybe you don’t act like it yet. However it is completely possible for all of you to work together as an
organized unit. . You will be working on a group project that will last at least 18 years. Isn’t it worth your time to learn how to be a capable leader of your family team and share the load.
A family is not just a group of individuals living together under one roof or a group that is related by blood or name; it is a cohesive unit that thrives on teamwork and a bond. No matter the make up of a family, a family is a team . Just like a sports team, everyone has their function for the team. In the sports team even if one player might seem more important, missing that player or the role they play would hinder the function of the team. It can also be viewed that each person in a family has a unique role in the structure and function of the family. The individual strengths, traits and personality of each member of the family all contribute to part of the family team.
The concept of family as a team is crucial for several reasons, each contributing to the overall well-being and peace within the household. The concept of teams speaks to a universal human need to be part of something meaningful. Adults and children alike would like to be in a group or a cause larger than themselves. Highlighting a child’s important role in a team helps them feel a part of the group and helps build relationships with the other members of the team.
Just like a team in sports or at work with shared goals, viewing your family as a team can help reinforce the idea that you are all working together towards a shared vision such as knowing what the goal of the family team is and how you are going to work on maintaining a functioning team. Other shared goals and values the family want to achieve and uphold, could be simple as maintaining a happy and healthy household, or a specific as saving up for a family vacation. Working together towards these goals strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
In teams after a game or project is done, there are usually discussions on the results . Just the same open communication will be needed among family members. where it allows opinions, needs , mistakes and successes all to be shared without fear of judgment, punishment or any negative response. This helps in understanding each other’s needs, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive atmosphere at home.
Families are meant to be a source of support and encouragement. Just as teammates support each other during challenges, families provide a crucial support system for each member. Calling your family a team can underscore the importance of providing encouragement, empathy and assistance to one another during good times and difficult times. Referring to your family as a team can also foster a sense of unity and togetherness. It emphasizes the idea that you all are in this together, facing life’s challenges as a cohesive unit. This strengthens bonds between family members and promotes a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Just like in any team, there is always an adult in charge . The coach sets the rules and decides who has which task . In a team tasks are often divided based on individual strength and skills. Similarly within a family different members have different strengths and therefore different responsibilities. By thinking of your family as a team you can better appreciate and leverage each person’ s unique abilities to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Teamwork can be exhibited within a family through the division and completion of household chores. Parents may assign age- appropriate tasks to their children, such as setting the table, taking the garbage out or folding laundry. By working together family members can complete chores more efficiently and ensure that everyone contributes to maintaining a clean and organized home. Dividing responsibilities can also include: childcare, financial management, and more.
Teams rely on collaboration to succeed and families will be no different. Each member of a family plays a unique role and contributes in their own way to the overall well – being of the family unit. By recognising and appreciating each other’s contribution you can foster a sense of teamwork and unity. Collaborating within a family teaches important life skills such as cooperation, negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving. These skills are valuable for personal growth and for building relationships outside the family. Families face various challenges over time. By working together as a team, they can adapt to changes, overcome obstacles, and grow stronger as a unit.
A team spends a lot of time working together and practicing. Likewise, we need to find ways for our family team to spend time together whether it’s game nights or movies or family dinners. The more time we spend on common goals, the stronger our relationships will be.
Teams celebrate their victories. The most important principle we can learn from teamwork is that everyone wins together. When one team member succeeds, we all win and we need to celebrate together. But just as different people on a team have different strengths we need to help our children find their own avenues to succeed. Whatever the avenues are, we have to recognize them and make sure that the entire family joins in the celebration. Families therefore will celebrate accomplishments, milestones and special moments together. Recognising and acknowledging these moments can help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. It is therefore seen where teamwork in a family promotes a harmonious environment where each member feels valued, supported, and connected, contributing to overall well-being and happiness.
Why are these qualities of teamwork important to families? Sure it is easy to work as a team when things are going well but when families face times of stress or crisis, teamwork is especially important. Working together as a team strengthens the family bond. It creates a sense of belonging especially when it supports the family shared goals.Family teams form the first interactions for children. The skills learned in the family team setting will help to lead success in the future in areas of sports school and career. Take time to think about your family team. How is your family team functioning? The good news is, it’s never too early to start implementing the family team concept. By emphasizing teamwork and its significance from an early age, children not only develop essential life skills but also form deep lasting connections with their parents and siblings, laying the foundation for healthy relationships throughout their lives. It’s never too late either to turn things around if you’re headed in the wrong direction. Now is the time to try, take some time to develop and establish a winning family team.
As the summer vacation is upon us, it is a good time for parents to think about the amount of time that their children can potentially spend with their gadgets if they are not helped to make good use of time. There are risks for their development that should not be underestimated. We share a response of one of our champions to a question on the topic.
Question:If we assume that the ages that are most vulnerable to negative emotions for girls are 10-14 and for boys 12-16, how does social media/gaming, as well as the music that is popular among them help or hamper their development?
The use of social media and gaming among children and teenagers has been a topic of debate in recent years. Many experts and parents believe that excessive use of these platforms can have negative impacts on the development of young individuals, especially those in the vulnerable age groups of 10-14 for girls and 12-16 for boys. However, there are also arguments that social media and gaming can have some positive effects on their development.
One of the ways in which social media and gaming can hamper the development of children in these age groups is by exposing them to inappropriate content and online predators. Young individuals may be exposed to cyberbullying, violence, and sexual content that can negatively impact their mental health and self-esteem.
Moreover, spending too much time on screens can lead to a lack of face-to-face social interactions, which are essential for developing interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. It may also contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as young individuals may prioritize online relationships over real-life connections.
On the other hand, there are some ways in which social media and gaming can actually help in the development of children and teenagers in these vulnerable age groups. For example, social media can provide a platform for young individuals to express themselves creatively and connect with like-minded individuals. It can also be a source of information and education, as young individuals can learn about new topics and engage in discussions with others from around the world.
Furthermore, social media and gaming platforms can provide a sense of connection and community for young people, allowing them to interact with others and express themselves creatively. It can also offer educational benefits, such as improving cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities.
In terms of music, popular genres among young people can include pop, hip-hop, rap, and electronic dance music (EDM). The impact of music on individuals can vary, with some studies suggesting that certain genres may influence mood, behaviour, and attitudes. It is important for parents and guardians to be aware of the content of the music their children are exposed to and to engage in open discussions about its potential impact. Listening to violent music can desensitize children to violence and aggression, potentially leading to an increase in aggressive behaviour and a decrease in empathy. It can also perpetuate negative stereotypes and harmful attitudes towards others.
As a parent of a primary school child, it is important to recognize and understand the vulnerability to negative emotions that children may experience during this stage of development. It is crucial to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for your child to help them navigate these emotions and build resilience.
One recommendation is to regularly check in with your child and open up lines of communication to create a safe space for them to express their feelings. Encourage them to talk about their emotions and validate their experiences, showing empathy and understanding.
In conclusion, the use of social media and gaming among children and teenagers in the vulnerable age groups of 10-14 for girls and 12-16 for boys can have both positive and negative impacts on their development. It is important for parents and guardians to monitor and regulate their screen time and to have open discussions about the potential risks and benefits of these platforms. By striking a balance and encouraging responsible use, social media and gaming can be valuable tools in the development of young individuals. Encouraging a healthy balance of online and offline activities, as well as promoting open communication and critical thinking skills, can help mitigate the negative effects and promote positive development.
Communities Alive volunteers at St Joseph Convent having been working with form one students during the academic year using the Alive to the World book Friends. Students were invited to prepare artwork to show ideas that impacted on them and which they wanted to share. Here is a selection:
The objective of the exercise was to have them demonstrate their understanding of the ideas in the lessons, teamwork as well application of the concepts. I was pleasantly surprised by their retention but more importantly their ability to apply and demonstrate what they learnt and understood. I was amused to hear them reminding each other of the correct behaviours during the exercise. This is in spite of the challenges and the repetitive reading of the first four chapters that I was able to complete.
On Saturday 1st. and Saturday 8th. June the first session of Teacher/Champions for 19 schools took place for the Alive to the World program. The Training was conducted by zoom to facilitate attendance by persons from all over Trinidad. The sessions comprised lectures, breakout sessions, group discussion and independent work. The two sessions were four hours each.
The zoom training, the first of its kind for teachers, was oversubscribed, and will be continuing for the rest of June, with sessions also in July and August. The teachers, who have been chosen to champion the programme in their schools, were very interactive, and showed a high level of involvement. The essays submitted gave insights and solutions provided by our teachers, who are interacting with the children of our nation on a daily basis. They are invaluable to us, as parents in helping with the education of our own children’s minds and hearts. The discussion topics for the break-out rooms provided very insightful and creative responses to the questions asked, which indicates that the participants had a good command of the concepts being introduced. We. at Communities Alive certainly look forward to working with these educators in implementing the Alive to the World program throughout our nation’s schools in addressing social ills by building character in the next generation.
Communities Alive shared proud moments with La Pastora Government Primary School at their Sports Day in April. We were able to recognise Emerald House with a trophy for good character and sportsmanship. We are already seeing the benefits of the programme rippling out after 5 short months – imagine the wave of engagement and character formation to come! Congratulations Emerald House! Thank you La Pastora Government Primary for having us as part of your school community!
Today Communities Alive began its distribution of packages to schools in the North Trinidad. The packages included books for the Alive to the World program for all classes at the Primary school level. Mr. Ashram Deoraj was also conducting sessions on Leadership, and transformational change, which tied in nicely to the whole concept of the Alive to the World program which is designed to help students to discover, appreciate and assimilate universal values, incorporating them into positive attitudes and behaviour, so that they may lead happy, healthy and stable lives both in the family and within their communities. Its aim is integral human development which allows for the harmonization of the different aspects of human existence. It involves self-knowledge, respect for others and the pursuit of a purpose in life. Isn’t that what each child needs, every school seeks and every parent desires?
