Star of Ugly Betty Shows Support for Save the Children's Early Childhood Development Programs on the Navajo Nation

WESTPORT, Conn. (May 6, 2009) — The best thing mothers with young children can do this Mother's Day is to give their babies and toddlers early learning experiences, according to Emmy Award-winning Ugly Betty actress and Save the Children Artist Ambassador America Ferrera, who spoke with Navajo mothers and young children in Chinle, AZ, yesterday. Follow us on Twitter for updates on this story.

America Ferrera reads a book to children on the Navajo Nation. Credit: Joshua Roberts.

Ferrera visited the Navajo Nation to cheer on mothers and children involved in Save the Children's early childhood development programs. Her visit coincided with the global launch of Save the Children's 10th annual State of the World's Mothers report, which highlights the importance of investing in early childhood development, starting in infancy, and future school success. 

"Seeing this program in person and actually meeting the people touched by Save the Children was an incredible experience," said Ferrera. "It was so inspiring to see how involved and engaged the parents of the children in the program truly are and how their enthusiasm and dedication positively affects their sons and daughters."

"We are so delighted to have America Ferrera visit our community to champion the benefits of giving children an early start on learning," said Navajo First Lady Vikki Shirley, who has made it her top priority to promote the benefits of early childhood development to families on the Navajo Nation. "Children are our future, and we need to lay the foundations for learning for their future success." Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr. and his wife, Vikki hosted Ferrera's visit.

Advice for Parents of Young Children

"Meeting the people touched by Save the Children was an incredible experience," said Ferrera. Credit: Joshua Roberts.

In the report, Save the Children highlights low-cost activities that mothers and caretakers can do to keep children safe, healthy and learning that are virtually the same, whether families live on the Navajo Nation, in Nepal or Nicaragua. One activity the report promotes is reading to children regularly, starting from birth. 

Ferrera joined mothers and children throughout the day in their daily reading routines and other fun activities that stimulate early learning. During a stop to see 2-year-old Jordan Brown and his family, who participate in Save the Children's home-based early childhood development program, Ferrera guided Jordan through his favorite book, which he knows by heart. 

Ferrera noted that most families on the Navajo Nation, as in many developing countries around the world, live in remote communities, far from the nearest formal school setting.  "Emphasizing the value of reading is one of the most important things we can do for all children."

Later, Ferrera dropped in to see the Save the Children-supported early childhood development program at Mesa View Elementary School, and led the reading hour. She then helped hand out new books to children through the book exchange, a program designed to encourage family reading at home.

"I still remember the first book I fell in love with and knew by heart – Harold and the Purple Crayon. Literature has had a profound and lasting effect on my education, thirst for knowledge and quality of life." 

Save the Children, in partnership with governments and communities, provides early childhood development programs to nearly 200,000 children in more than 30 countries, including the United States. 

Additional Resources

• Download the State of the World's Mother's 2009 report
• Watch a video from State of the Worlds Mothers
• What you can do: Eight ways to help Save the Children
• Read Save the Children's Ten Tips for Parents of Young Children

Save the Children is the leading independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 27 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.