-by Anne Finlay-Stewart
When they saw some of the negativity about the Syrian refugees on social media, students in the Georgian College Early Childhood Education class of 2016 wanted to change the conversation to something positive.
"We wanted to show support and welcome to these families," said 22 year old Ridgley Dier, "and help bring some positive awareness of these newcomers into the community."
Their first intention was to provide welcoming resources – perhaps children's books in both Arabic and English – for the families who were expected to be arriving at the Meaford land force training base.
A bake sale started it off in December, raising $500, and a candy kebab Valentine fundraiser brought in another $175. Now that it is clear that sponsors will be supporting refugees throughout the region, the students are working on a plan to spread their goodwill around.
The project was spear-headed by the two-man cohort in a class that includes 17 women.
Dylan Hodgson was given a rough ride by some of his peers in high school, and bullying left its marks on him. But during the years he helped with the school-age program at Primary Place in Tobermory, his supervisors recognized he was particularly good with children. Before arriving at Georgian, Dylan took a one-year Animal Care program, and with one or a combination of the two specialities he intends to create a meaningful and enjoyable living.
Ridgley Dier's background is in musical theatre, and his Georgian placement last spring included directing a musical production of Disney's Little Mermaid at the Roxy with a cast of 31 children. The Chatsworth native has been accepted into university in Sligo, Ireland next September, and then will decide what path he will take to combine his talents and credentials into family-sustaining employment.
The Georgian ECE program continues to bring children in our region gifted, compassionate and qualified caregivers. Dylan and Ridgley and their classmates, contributing to a supportive welcome for our newest residents, are just the kind of role-models we hope to have for our children - and some of our more fearful adult neighbours.
