Zero to Five
By Howie Leang
I was fortunate enough to meet GIFT CONNECT founder Sam Beard during his recent trip to Los Angeles. I learned about his strategy to reverse poverty on a global scale, which interestingly starts with children before they’ve even reached school-age. I’ve since been helping Sam and his colleague Brett Lechtenberg spread awareness of their vital movement among my circle of friends and contacts.
If you have a passion for early childhood development/education and would like to help make a difference, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to GIFT CONNECT. They are a very solutions-oriented organization as you can see from their strategic plan below.
The Problem
In 1990, the United States ranked sixth in the world for its level of healthcare and education. In 2018, that ranking dropped to 27th. Our nation has seen a marked decrease in educational attainment, which is partly the result of reduced and poorly allocated funding and too little emphasis on the early years of a child’s life, specifically ages 0-5. Investment in education begins at birth. Data compiled by the Rauch Foundation found that 85 percent of a person’s brain is fully developed by the time they are five years old. Currently, according to the New York Times, the United States invests about $500 per child aged 0-5, while countries above us in education invest upwards of $25,000 per child aged 0-5.
The Solution
Increasing and optimizing our investment in children aged 0-5 would result in an increased ability to read and do math at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, form more stable families of their own and ultimately reverse poverty. We must put a higher priority on quality early childhood programs and education. We can make a difference for all children by helping parents, caregivers, grandparents, pre-school teachers, and all who come into contact with children understand the benefits of talking, singing, reading, playing and, ultimately, connecting with young children.
About GIFT CONNECT
GIFT CONNECT engages leaders and organizations within targeted local communities that are passionate about the role of 0-5 Early Childhood Development in reversing poverty, creating a stronger education system and setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable society.
They seek partners to collaborate on ways to create and implement 0-5 programming. They are committed to amplifying their partners’ programs, revolutionary science-backed data and behavior change solutions through both traditional and digital media as well as their unique edutainment strategy and the power of music.
