October 2001
There are some events which shape world history, giving people a new perspective on things. The October issue of the Webmag in 2001 reflected the tragedies of 9/11. Here was a cycle of events covering only a few hours, but which has influenced Government policies, security measures and a host of other things ever since. About three thousand people died – not a large total by comparison with the massive numbers of deaths in Rwanda-Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Iraq, but witnessed by hundreds of millions of people because of modern communications media.
The terrible outcome was projected graphically into our homes, as it unfolded like a Greek tragedy. It also posed endless questions for children and those caring for children. Why would someone do this? Could no one stop it? What of the personal impact on the families of those killed? Can anyone feel safe?
We covered a lot of these questions in the issue. The Editorial asked what we should tell children, Terry Hoon considered what the event said about humankind, and Keith White looked at children’s actual reactions, while James Garbarino contributed a piece about children might learn about understanding and revenge.
November 2001
It’s a hard choice to pick out one article from the November issue, so we’ll mention two.
AIEJI has played a major role as a professional association spreading thinking about social pedagogy among child care workers. In this issue we profiled Arlin Ness, their President, and included a history of the organisation, showing how its growth reflected changes and developments in the care of children.
The other article was a long piece by Meredith Kiraly, What’s Wrong with Child Welfare, in which she analysed the failings of child care in Australia in some depth. Her observations are astute, and probably apply to a lot of other countries as well. If any Australian reads this, it would be interesting to hear whether the picture is still true.
December 2001
In December Vibeke Lasson offered Developing Children’s Play, a thorough run-down on the subject, showing how important it is, considering different types of play, and offering excellent advice to practitioners. Toy libraries, urban space, creating space for children, learning how to play, stimulating the senses, learning by exploring, adult models, learning from nature, hobbies, sports, physical pursuits and holidays – it’s all there, written punchily so that readers are quite clear what they should do.
No one can accuse the Webmag of lack of variety or concern for high quality services for children.