It can be easy to idealize the early years of childhood, and use our own favorite memories to define what that period means. Recess, a favorite teacher, summer vacation, family holidays. Happiness without a care in the world. But what if instead of building you up, your early years had held you back?
As a parent, it’s natural to want to do anything within your power to meet and protect your child’s best interests. You want him to grow up and become the best person he can be, to experience a happy and fulfilling life, and to know that you are his number one cheerleader and advocate. By investing in your child’s individual success you also make an investment in the future of Memphis - by helping to create the type of community that your children and future generations can thrive in.
Non-profits and other organizations do a lot for the little ones of Memphis and Shelby County. So do mentors, volunteers, and donors. Our schools are better than public opinion would suggest. But there’s still a troubling truth that can’t be avoided: we don’t provide early childhood education to all children in our community.
Many exciting changes are contributing to the health and growth of Memphis. Businesses are increasing, arts are becoming more prevalent, neighborhoods are being revitalized, and a certain sports team is thriving—all of which are contributing to more pride among Memphians, and are even garnering attention on the national level.
It’s true that a strong moral or ethical case can be made for investing in early childhood. But the reality is that communities have limited resources, and concerns about investing them efficiently are reasonable.
The Workforce Investment Network, for example, is an agency dedicated to improving job opportunities and creating a highly skilled workforce in Memphis, Shelby County, and Fayette County.