School's Back at ECCO
Learning is a journey-not a destination. For most, continuing education is essential in all aspects of our culture so we can stay current amidst constantly changing technology and have the knowledge to move ahead. Children, youth, and adults have to continue their pursuit of learning to advance in our society. Kindergarten, primary, elementary, middle and high school…then college and onward, to continuing education. It never stops. The old song, “School Days” taught to us by our parents, applies to all:
School days, school days,
Dear old golden rule days
‘Readin’ and ‘ritin’ and ‘rithmetic,
Taught to the tune of a hick’ry stick.
I was your queen in calico,
You were my bashful barefoot beau,
And I wrote on your slate,
‘I love you, Joe,’
When we were a couple of kids.
This is the time when school reconvenes. Parents have planned, shopped, and attended an open house to meet the teachers. Children are excited that a new year has returned and are sorry to see the summer end. Parents are equally excited and happy to see the summer end!
Education is an essential pursuit around the planet. You have probably been watching the coverage of the Olympics in Rio. Matt Lauer visited Santa Martin on the Today Show last week. This community that lies above Rio with a beautiful view of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, is one of the very poorest neighborhoods of Rio. These hillside neighborhoods, called favelas, are synonymous with poverty and crime. Lauer interviewed the executive director of a nonprofit to assist its citizens who live in poverty. He asked her what the three major needs were. Without missing a beat, she replied, “Education, health and sanitation.”
ECCO realizes that many of our clients have never had the opportunity to learn some of the basic skills needed to rise above the poverty level and reach financial independence. Continuing education is necessary for adults to make this important transition. When the paycheck does not last through the month; when bills cannot be paid; when there is no money to buy school supplies much less new school clothes, basic life skills are needed
This fall, ECCO is offering courses to help people better learn how to adjust their lives to dealing with the pressures of life. Classes are being offered on budgeting, computer skills (including Microsoft Excel and keyboarding), goal setting, dealing with stress, organizational skills, and improving performance in the workplace.
ECCO is dedicated to helping our clients to get financial independence. Going back to school can be exciting when you know the promise of a better life.
My niece posted on Facebook this week: “Bags packed! Clothes laid out! Teacher gifts ready! Books read! Confetti sprinkled! Here we come kindergarten, second grade and Montessori school!”