My Heart in Kenya is a true story about family separation and reunification in the context of the refugee experience, written from a child’s point of view. Family separation is a devastating reality for refugees around the world, with reunification a dream many families never realize. The trauma related to separation can last a lifetime. It aims to raise awareness of family separation in classrooms and community programs across the country, and is geared to children 6-12 years of age, educators, and to those who work with newcomer families in public health or community and settlement services.

Learning outcomes for children:

• To learn about the experiences of refugee families

• To learn about the reality of family separation and reunification

• For children who have experienced separation, to know they are not alone and to see themselves represented in a book

Learning outcomes for educators and other professionals:

• To raise awareness of the impacts of family separation

• To gain a deeper understanding of the pain, struggle, and sacrifices refugees and their families endure

• To develop new perspectives to support families and children

Ruth Beardsley is an Early Childhood Educator who worked for over 40 years in early learning programs and community services. Although she started telling stories while working with young children, it was working with adults in community groups where she learned the power of storytelling to raise awareness of issues related to newcomers. Before retiring she received the United Way 2016 Community Impact Award, recognizing her work with refugee families and their young children.The United Way also established “The Ruth Beardsley Reunification Fund” to support reunification of other families who have been separated from their young children. Ruth lives in Squamish, British Columbia with her husband, she has two grown sons and three stepchildren.

This is her first children’s book.