Students Nicole Milhauser, Josie Gilbert, Mario Pereyra, Laurie Causer, and Mauricio, the Common Hope van driver, pose for a picture between family visits. The NAPA-OT Field School participants came from Colorado State University, the University of New Mexico, St. Catherine University, Saint Louis University, San José State University, and the University of Southern California.
FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
“This experience has allowed me to grow personally and professionally—it was more than I ever could have expected.” – Nicole Milhauser,
a student from Colorado
State University
Occupational therapy students and faculty from consortium of U.S. Universities teach early childhood stimulation at Common Hope
Students and faculty from the NAPA-OT Field School in Antigua spent six weeks at the Family Development Center this summer launching the first season of a partnership with Common Hope.
Students and faculty from the NAPA-OT Field School in Antigua spent six weeks at the Family Development Center this summer launching the first season of a partnership with Common Hope.
Representing occupational therapy master’s programs from universities across the United States, the group’s goal was to train Common Hope social workers on early childhood stimulation techniques that they could share with affiliated families. In turn, the Common Hope social workers and other staff provided a cross-cultural training site for the NAPA group.
Social workers, affiliated families, and the NAPA group raved about the unique learning experience and the positive outcomes of training. Common Hope social worker Vicky Tojín thought the training was “excellent,” and observed that the affiliated families were “willing to learn.” Gumer Ordoñez noted the families’ appreciation, saying that they were “very thankful” for the experience.
Early childhood development has become an increased focus for Common Hope in recent years. Research shows that if language, literacy, and other cognitive factors are addressed in early childhood, children will be much more prepared for school. Research also demonstrates that young children learn best through interactions with others. Because of this, caregivers, parents, and early teachers play a very important role.
Yet it is very common in Guatemala for parents to keep children bundled up—away from the parasites of dirt floors and the danger of open cookfires, but without the opportunity to explore and develop physically and cognitively. This is what the NAPA-OT / Common Hope initiative is working to change - while also mentoring to a new generation of internationally-minded practitioners.
The NAPA-OT Field School was founded at Common Hope through the vision of Common Hope executive director Shari Blindt and country director Tamalyn Jackson Gutierrez. It is a ground-breaking multidisciplinary, international project of the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology, part of the American Anthropological Association.
Although the NAPA-OT group was in Guatemala to impart their knowledge, many of the students and faculty walked away feeling that they had learned just as much. “The NAPA-OT Field School was an amazing experience,” says Katrina Erickson, a student from St. Catherine University in St. Paul/Minneapolis. “It afforded me the opportunity to use my knowledge and skills I have acquired in occupational therapy school, “Katrina reflected “while challenging myself to think about the impact culture and environment can have on an individual’s participation in daily life.”
Nicole Milhauser, a student from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, added, “This experience has allowed me to grow personally and professionally—it was more than I ever could have expected.” With all of this positive feedback, we are excited about what the future holds for this partnership—not to mention what it holds for all the young children who will be entering kindergarten better prepared for school.
