Our Story

My philosophy

I have made a career out of studying children and learning. As a professor of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Ryerson University, and director of its master's level program in Early Childhood Studies, I have focused my research on the development of innovative educational practices. And with Spanish being my first language, I am particularly interested in the unique learning needs of Latin American children and their families.

My work is guided by one strong belief: that all parents, even those who are poor and illiterate, can make a valuable contribution to their children's education. In fact, children's test scores improve when families and teachers expand their conventional concept of “knowledge” to also include culturally and linguistically specific forms of knowledge. This process, however, involves moving beyond traditional learning practices that require children to memorize isolated facts, often an educational mainstay in developing countries.

Life-changing experiences

A few years ago, I began travelling regularly to the Dominican Republic. At first, my work involved curriculum development for Ryerson University and later, the creation of a literacy program for Dominican children. Eventually, I started working with an international agency to train and mentor Dominican teachers.

My work in the country has been well-received and, along the way, I have become familiar with local politics. I have had the opportunity to discuss my research with Leonel Fernandez, the president of the Dominican Republic. I have also made presentations to civil servants in the capital city of Santo Domingo, and to students and faculty members at the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo.

My experiences in the Dominican Republic have been both eye-opening and life-changing. While living and working in local communities, I have come to greatly admire the strengths of the Dominican people. I have seen the vital role that first-hand experiences play in the learning process. I have also witnessed the powerful impact that education has on children, their families and their communities.

The Birth of Adelante

During one visit to the Dominican Republic, I visited the home of two sisters, ages nine and 10, who were students in the literacy program. While there, I was surprised to meet a third sister in the family – an articulate eight-year-old named Estefani. Remarkably, although Estefani had never attended school, she had taught herself how to read and write.

I asked the girls' mother why Estefani did not attend classes like the other daughters. Her answer broke my heart.

“All three children can go to school for free,” Estefani's mother explained, “but the family can only afford one uniform. One daughter wears it in the morning, the other wears it in the afternoon.”

Stunned, I quickly realized that there were many children in the community just like Estefani. Intelligent and inquisitive children who aspire to go to university, to have a profession, and to help their families and communities. The only obstacle? The prohibitive cost of elementary school uniforms.

As a Canadian, it was unthinkable to me that something so small could stand in the way of an education. And after speaking to friends, local business owners, tourists and visiting groups, I learned that many people were eager to help; they just didn't know how to make a significant impact using only a meagre budget.

The truth is this: it is simple and easy to make a difference for children like Estefani. And I was inspired to create an organization that will do just that.

Working with a team of Canadian educators, we formed Adelante: Latin American Children's Education Fund. In Spanish, adelante means “moving forward,” and I can't think of a better way to describe our work – we are helping children to move forward with their education and their lives.

How it works

Our foundation provides uniforms to children, thereby enabling them to attend school. The uniform usually fits a child for two to three years, after which it can be passed down to other siblings in the family.

For just $75 CDN – the same price as an evening out – you can change a child’s life. What's more, your gift will keep on giving, making a difference in the lives of many more children in the future.

Please donate now.