Getting to Know Your International Contacts

          During the first week I identified that I made professional contact with two people connected with the UNICEF Organization.  Because I have not had a response to my request to reach out to the original professionals, I decided to contact one of my military counterparts in Grafenwoehr Germany, who works with military families and children at a military base.  Her name is Valerie Griffin and she currently manages a military child development program.  She has been in Germany for over 5 years and has been able to learn about the current cultural society of the local nationals.

          My first contact with Valerie was through email and I let her know that I was currently enrolled at Walden University in the Early Childhood Master’s Program and I would like to enhance my knowledge through tapping into her experience and expertise in the area of trends and issues especially during her time in Europe.  She immediately responded that she would be glad to communicate with me at any time and would prefer to talk over the phone. For this week, I have asked Valerie to provide me information on the poverty rate in Europe and the impact on the children.

 


          During our conversation, Valerie enlightened me on how the German system continues to assist families in having a healthy and nurturing environment without the stigmatism of saying that families are on “welfare”.  By having high rates of taxation, families are provided support that meets the overall needs of the local national community and this is occurring even during a decline in the amount of funds being available. This was interesting to see that even after 20 years of being back in the US, this program is still in place to support those in need and to help families bond during the first 3 years of life as families with new born children are given the opportunity for one parent to stay home during the early years and receive funds to maintain their living.  Valerie let me know that even immigrants from other countries that are in Germany, are provided resources and employment opportunities after they complete the language courses that are required.

          How does this affect the military families while living in Europe? Well, we both agreed that even though the additional support that is provided in the US for low income families are limited while overseas, ( State Subsidy programs), the military does  provide financial support for families in need by reviewing their income and expenses and setting up a plan to help them meet their obligations as well as offering affordable child care and when applicable they are awarded additional child care benefits.  Housing is provided on post and utilities are included and additional allowances are provided to augment the out of country expenditures.  I enjoyed my time with Valerie and I look forward to a continued connection during this course and thereafter.