Discovering the Development Line: Helping the Poor to Grow

• In Event: Innovations in Addressing the Education and Poverty Crisis: The Importance of Researching “Outside of School”

Abstract

This presentation focuses on what has been learned from a 30 year, grassroots experiment that began with the recognition that for millions of Black and Latino young people education was not the way out of poverty -- given that it did not engage the subjective and day-to-day consequences of growing up poor and outside of the mainstream. Instead, play, performing, pretending and being exposed to the world – activities that produce ongoing development -- turned out to be foundational and the frontline activities for helping these children become learners. The presentation will share the results of this now, national experiment in afterschool development, including an interview with young people who have participated.

Author

• Lenora B. Fulani, All Stars Project