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Dr. Marlene Batista, the Superintendent and Principal of Mupu School, sat down with us during the her school's AIT Leadership Camp to reflect on her mission as an educator:
“What can I do for my kids? How do I bring these children back to being kids again?”
This sentiment resonates deeply in today’s educational landscape, where many students face overwhelming challenges that can strip away their innocence and joy. Research shows that children who experience emotional distress often struggle with trust and connection, which are crucial for healthy development. The camp at Mupu School serves as a remedy for this disconnection. Dr. Batista notes the joy of witnessing students working together, creating chants, and expressing themselves in ways that traditional curricula often overlook. According to a study published in Child Development, children who engage in collaborative play and creative expression demonstrate improved social skills and emotional regulation—key components for thriving in school and beyond.
The success of the camp is not accidental; it is the result of meticulously designed activities aimed at fostering emotional intelligence and leadership skills. As Dr. Batista observed,
“Every activity is so well thought out… we want thinkers and free thinkers.”
Participants also reported feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment as they engaged in these activities. Dr. Batista highlighted how students who initially struggled with self-sabotage transformed into confident leaders during the camp. This mirrors research from the American Psychological Association, which indicates that positive reinforcement and opportunities for leadership can significantly boost self-esteem in adolescents.
One of the most profound outcomes of the camp is the sense of community it fosters among participants. Many students expressed how they discovered commonalities with peers they had never interacted with before. One youth mentor shared:
“They notice that they’re all human and they all have their own ideas,”
This realization is crucial; studies have shown that social connections are essential for mental health, particularly among adolescents who often feel isolated. The camp’s environment encourages students to open up about their experiences, leading to deeper connections and understanding. Research published in The Journal of School Health highlights that peer relationships significantly influence students' overall well-being, reinforcing the importance of programs like these that prioritize social bonding.
The transformative experiences shared by participants at Mupu School underscore the necessity for programs that prioritize emotional well-being and community building among youth. At All It Takes, we are committed to providing such opportunities through our various initiatives designed to empower young people. We invite educators, parents, and community leaders to explore how All It Takes can bring similar programs to their schools. By fostering environments where students feel safe to express themselves and connect with others, we can help cultivate a new kind of normal—one where every child has the opportunity to thrive. To learn more about our programs or to get involved, visit allittakes.org.
Reflections From The Principal - Finding Family at AIT
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