Vina: Hi, Spiffy, happy to be here! I’m addressing inequalities that keep millions of children behind in accessing quality and relative learning opportunities; this means support to make sure that children and adolescents that are out of school can go to school or learning centers. This also means making sure those who are in the classrooms or receiving learning in different modalities are actually learning the knowledge and skills they need, in a context and language that is relevant to them, and that which prepares them for the realities of the future of work and life. These challenges could be rooted in social and cultural norms—for example when societies prioritize boys' education over girls—or rooted in poverty that pushes children into work or early marriages.
Matt: Thrilled to be here, Spiffy! Our organization is working to provide accessible spaces for adults of all backgrounds and abilities to engage in musical community. We put on a variety of events that are all donation based and open to anyone, including circle-singing jam sessions, open mic nights, one-night choir events, house shows, songwriting circles, and more. These events are facilitated with care and intention by facilitators who work to empower individuals to find their creative voice and bring that voice into conversation and collaboration with their community.
Raven: Glad to be with you, Spiffy! We believe in equitable literacy access for all! More than just encompassing the ability to read and write, literacy is essential for developing critical thinking skills, educational opportunities, and building sustainable communities. Since 2017, “The Zuri Reads Initiative,” (TZRI) has provided literacy access, events, and resources for children, students, and families across Metropolitan Detroit and beyond. Seeking to do our part in addressing the widening literacy gap(s) occurring across educative communities, our goal is to take literacy to the people!
