Teachers College, Columbia University
Minute to Win it: Student Research Competition
Minute to Win it: Student Research Competition
2024 Competition
Nia (Elisabeth Galla) - won third place!
Re-imagine Sumba: Challenging the Narratives of Poverty and Deficit Thinking through Children’s Books
Labeled as Indonesia’s most impoverished area, children in Sumba confront the dual burden of societal stigma and economic hardship. This stigma, branding them as unintelligent and below-standard, fosters deficit thinking, particularly as they transition to urban centers. Despite the region's rich natural and animal resources, Sumba remains in poverty, largely due to the cultural tradition of Kedde. This tradition mandates the costly sacrifice of animals during ceremonial occasions, plunging families into perpetual debt cycles. Inspired by Freire's (1998) Pedagogy of the Oppressed, this study seeks to dismantle the prevailing narratives of poverty and deficit thinking through an innovative approach, children’s books. The study aims to cultivate social and critical consciousness among elementary students in Sumba, utilizing these books as transformative tools. By challenging existing narratives and nurturing self-awareness, the books aspire to catalyze a paradigm shift within Sumba society. Empowering children to question the status quo, the study seeks to instigate a reevaluation and eventual transformation of the poverty-perpetuating traditions on Sumba Island. Data collection, conducted through interviews with key stakeholders including Rato, an esteemed elder and traditional priest, and elementary teachers in Sumba, ensures the cultural authenticity and relevance of the materials. Upon completion, the books will be disseminated to elementary schools across Sumba, accompanied by comprehensive study guides. Despite anticipated funding constraints, meticulous monitoring and evaluation will guide improvements to the series. Equitable distribution poses a logistical challenge, prompting an initial focus on a pilot region before wider implementation. This study's significance transcends mere cultural preservation or individual empowerment, it aims to foster a holistic transformation, enriching Sumba children's self-identity, challenging entrenched traditions, and fostering literacy through culturally meaningful narratives.
Nia (Elisabeth Galla) - won third place!
Re-imagine Sumba: Challenging the Narratives of Poverty and Deficit Thinking through Children’s Books
Labeled as Indonesia’s most impoverished area, children in Sumba confront the dual burden of societal stigma and economic hardship. This stigma, branding them as unintelligent and below-standard, fosters deficit thinking, particularly as they transition to urban centers. Despite the region's rich natural and animal resources, Sumba remains in poverty, largely due to the cultural tradition of Kedde. This tradition mandates the costly sacrifice of animals during ceremonial occasions, plunging families into perpetual debt cycles. Inspired by Freire's (1998) Pedagogy of the Oppressed, this study seeks to dismantle the prevailing narratives of poverty and deficit thinking through an innovative approach, children’s books. The study aims to cultivate social and critical consciousness among elementary students in Sumba, utilizing these books as transformative tools. By challenging existing narratives and nurturing self-awareness, the books aspire to catalyze a paradigm shift within Sumba society. Empowering children to question the status quo, the study seeks to instigate a reevaluation and eventual transformation of the poverty-perpetuating traditions on Sumba Island. Data collection, conducted through interviews with key stakeholders including Rato, an esteemed elder and traditional priest, and elementary teachers in Sumba, ensures the cultural authenticity and relevance of the materials. Upon completion, the books will be disseminated to elementary schools across Sumba, accompanied by comprehensive study guides. Despite anticipated funding constraints, meticulous monitoring and evaluation will guide improvements to the series. Equitable distribution poses a logistical challenge, prompting an initial focus on a pilot region before wider implementation. This study's significance transcends mere cultural preservation or individual empowerment, it aims to foster a holistic transformation, enriching Sumba children's self-identity, challenging entrenched traditions, and fostering literacy through culturally meaningful narratives.
