Maarja-Liisa Jarve
Maarja-Liisa Järve is 28 years old and alumna of the Step by Step (SbS) program in Estonia. Currently on maternity leave, she had worked as Project Manager for a small fruit smoothies distribution company in her country. Maarja-Liisa is also an active volunteer for the rights of women at an organization called Naiskodukaitse, where she has become a specialized leader. We talk with her about how her experience as pupil of the SbS program has influenced her life.
How was your Step by Step (SbS) kindergarten different from others?
I attended the Helika kindergarten and later the Tartu Kesklinna School, both Step by Step program centers. I remember I could read very well already before my first grade, and I was always interested in learning and getting new knowledge. In the kindergarten the day started with a morning circle, and at school, we would begin telling about something we did the night before, or any news we had heard about, listening to others' stories. It made us think of others and notice things that we, otherwise, would not have payed attention to as seven year old children. That early emphasis on mindfulness and careful observation has shaped our approach to decision-making even now, especially when it comes to our personal well-being.
What main lesson did you learn during these years of SbS program?
The program taught me how to be open-minded. It may sound a bit naïve and not always good, but I try to see the positive side of everything. Also, the program taught me how to be proactive because nothing happens when you stay passive. I learnt good communication skills and understood the importance of it.
How did the SbS program contribute to your growth?
First of all, I learned how to share my toys and how to be friendly and kind to others. I think that my ability to organize events and be proactive in many fields comes from my kindergarten years. In my middle school and in high school I was the head of the class – a person who communicates with students and teachers, organizes class trips etc.- This allowed me to have many friends and to learn how to talk with different people, often outsiders.
How did the program change you and influenced your future?
My desire for inquire and my readiness to learn came from the program. I am never scared to communicate or take action when it is necessary. This is probably why I have got two Bachelor’s degrees and participated in many different educational classes.
What would you wish the program?
I would wish that every child, including my own, could grow and develop a will for learning, an eagerness to learn new knowledge and practical skills. It would be great if every kindergarten and school had great teachers who support the children’s development by reducing stress and making learning fun and easy. I hope that the Step by Step program will last for a very long time, and that it will continue growing and developing.
