ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

Everyone has a story to tell and has a unique contribution to the world. I am excited to launch the Voices Less Heard podcast. This podcast will spotlight conversations with “ordinary” people doing extraordinary work. The intention is to use the podcast platform to add to the chorus of voices and stories that make this world a truly beautiful place to live in. Imperfect as the world might be, the current polycrisis presents an opportunity for us to hear these different stories, learn from one another while building inclusive communities and societies. In this first season I speak to people doing amazing work in Canada and around the world. From entrepreneurs, grant makers, world renowned early childhood development experts to social justice activists each episode will have interesting stories.

This conversation explores the experiences of black people and people of African descent in the grant-making and philanthropy sector in Canada. Dr. PMak and Omar Yasin Omar discuss the importance of centering and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, the challenges of grant-making, and the need for intentional and purposeful grant-making.

Professor Alan Pence discusses his early childhood work and the importance of community, culture, and context in early childhood development. He shares his experiences with mentors such as Prof. Uri Bronfenbrenner and Thomas Weisner, who influenced his understanding of child development. Pence also talks about his work in Kenya and the challenges of being a male caregiver and house father. He then discusses his involvement with a tribal council in Canada and the development of a generative curriculum that incorporates both Western and indigenous knowledge. The conversation explores the importance of knowledge engagement and generation in education, particularly in Indigenous communities. It highlights the success of a program that focused on interaction and collaboration rather than knowledge transfer. The conversation also discusses the impact of the program on the community, elevating the students and elders and changing their perception of themselves. The conversation then delves into the establishment of the Early Childhood Development Virtual University, which aimed to train graduate-level leaders in Africa. The importance of learning from the past and the need for a global perspective in early childhood education are also emphasized.