Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

This week in preparation for the blog assignment I tried to communicate with my international contacts yet again but have not yet heard a response. Therefore, I reviewed Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” and also found a very interesting podcast from the United Nation’s Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI) entitled “Beyond School Books” from UNICEF’s Changing the World for Girls Initiative.

          First, the “Global Children’s Initiative” lists three areas of focus in achieving its goal. These three areas comprise of spreading awareness and discourse surrounding the topic of early childhood development and health. Second, the initiative states its desire to expand global understanding about how healthy development happens, ways in which it can be “derailed” and how to get children who have been neglected back on track. Finally, the third criterion they concentrate on is to reach out to low and middle income countries alike and to get a multitude of voices from different perspectives involved in the global movement in support of children. I appreciate that the organization is trying to get a wide range of view-points involved to ensure that all children across the globe are considered and their needs voiced.

The podcast explains the situation in Afghanistan and the need for change. She explained that the first thing they are trying to create is safe friendly classrooms with teacher training. Dr. Sakena Yacoobi explains that they need the teachers to have a strong bond and relationship with the students, parents and the community. The AIL (Afghan Institute of Learning) is the first organization who has allowed the education of Afghan women. Since this movement the organization has reached over 300,000 students, has trained 20,000 teachers and the health outreach portion of the organization has touched over 2 million people from Afghanistan. Dr. Yacoobi explained that Afghanistan has a very strong culture based on tradition. She explained how it was imperative to work with the community and not threaten the tradition but show them the advantage of education. During the Taliban the community members showed their support and protected the organization. Eighty schools even ran underground with the help and support from the community members. She explained how it never would have been possible if the community members didn’t feel the link to the organization the way that they did. She explained that they felt very much a part of the movement. She explained that there are still many barriers that affect the education of women in Afghanistan however, they are trying to show people that they are not a threat to the culture and beliefs of Afghanistan. She explained that they do not use teachings, texts of beliefs from other countries or cultures but are trying to use their own traditions and culture to justify the education of women and girls. Her last message and wish voiced in the podcast was to dispel the stereotypes and misunderstanding that surround the Afghanistan people. She states: “Please let the people of the world know that the people of Afghanistan are not fighters and killers, they are loving people, they are peace lovers and they want to bring peace to Afghanistan…” It saddened me to think about children in the world and know that in many countries girls are devalued, cast aside and treated with inequality. With that said it was nice to hear Dr. Yacoobi’s hopefulness for the females and people of her country that a change was possible and was gradually occurring. 

References

Harvard University. Center on the Developing Child. Global children’s initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/

UNGEI and Beyond School Books (producer). (2014, March 8). Changing the world for girls. [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.ungei.org/news/247_5665.html

"Education is the key to improving women's lives. Educating a girl, transforms her life and the life of her family, changing a community and through that you change a nation for the better. Health education is what creates sustainable improvement in the health of communities."
- Dr. Sakena Yacoobi

"When you work at the grass roots level, working with all kinds of people- that power of people will never be matched by anything else."
- Dr. Sakena Yacoobi

Sharing Web Resources

The website that I have been using over the past few weeks is UNICEF. I have specifically used UNICEF Canada, Haiti and Australia when considering different topics for many different reasons and assignments. I love the website because you can access information for almost any country around the world and because UNICEF is a prominent and well regarded organization they are able to offer pertinent information on a wide range of topics across the globe.

Among all the valuable information available on this website one story that stood out with regards to my current professional development had to do with the current situation in Syria. As we just finished discussing poverty this article spoke to me right away. I knew the situation was bleak but when reading the statistics I was overwhelmed. The article headline states: “Children of Syria-A Generation is about to be lost. We can stop this”. I had to read on. The article stated that 5.5 children are currently at risk because of the three year conflict that has devastated the country. 1.2 million Syrian children have been evacuated and are now in refugee camps in the surrounding countries. Before reading this article I hadn’t thought about the way in which for many children this life is all that they have ever known. They were born into this conflict, strife and poverty and will not know anything else if we do not help them. In order to support these children, UNICEF has helped support a humanitarian operation supplying food, water, education, clothing and critical immunizations to Syria and its neighboring countries. 9 million children have been vaccinated against polio. More than 10 million people have received clean, safe water and 480,000 children who couldn’t go to school are learning again through UNICEF child friendly centres.

UNICEF explains that their work supports children’s rights for survival, helps to stop child exploitation, acts as an emergency humanitarian aid, helps support child development and education, protects children from AIDS and HIV and works as an advocate for all children in over 192 countries throughout the world. UNICEF is “the world’s leading child-focused humanitarian and development agency” (UNICEF Canada, 2014). As the world’s advocate for children’s rights, they influence perspectives, policies and decisions to advance the rights of children in all countries. (UNICEF Canada, 2014). In terms of advocating for children across the globe UNICEF works with governments, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector to produce leading research and put it into action for children and their communities.

References:

UNICEF Canada, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.ca/en/discover/advocacy

Getting to Know Your International Contacts: Part 1

For this week’s blog I did my best to communicate with the professionals I originally reached out to with a limited response. Stephanie Olmore, the Director of Quality Enhancement Initiatives at the NAEYC sent me several links to articles discussing international efforts related to poverty. I also decided to use the website www.globalissues.org to research poverty across the globe because I could not gain access to the website www.childpoverty.org. I messaged several professionals from the NAEYC global alliance partners list but several have not replied and several of the emails bounced back as unknown recipients. Someone that I am really eager to get in touch with from the Global Alliance from NAEYC is Dominique Hudicourt from the Step by Step Program in Haiti. A friend of mine recently adopted a little girl from Haiti who was orphaned in the earthquake that devastated the lives of so many people. Meeting this strong, brave and beautiful little girl has really affected me and has made me want to look into the conditions of poverty that affect this country.

First, the website www.globalissues.org offers statistics and facts about poverty issues in the U.S and across the globe. The first fact that I read truly shocked me. The website states that: “Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day” (Shah, 2013). Furthermore, the article explains that the two regions that account for the greatest part of the deficit are South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Shah explains that, “the poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income. The richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of world income” (Shah, 2013). How corrupt is this! This statistic wasn’t all that surprising but it was still infuriating. The statement that really resonated with me is a quote that Shah referenced from UNICEF. It explains, “According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death” (Shah, 2013). The main issues discussed in the article that continue to cause poverty or affect the poor are that the poorest children (especially girls) are unable to attend schools. “Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn’t happen” (Shah, 2013). Diseases such as HIV and malaria cause the most deaths in children worldwide. The article also references safe water and shelter to be life threatening causes affecting the poor across the globe.

Statistics about poverty in Haiti:

1) As a result of the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 approximately 230,000 people were killed in a matter of moments and 2 million others were displaced. 

2) Over 70,000 homes, businesses and public buildings were destroyed and nearly 5000 of these include schools.

     3) 500,000 children in Haiti are living in camps and many others living in slums. These children lack the protection of social and police services, and are under continued threat of exploitation and abuse.

 

The website http://www.savethechildren.org/ offers pertinent information about their cause and many programs that they offer in response to the need in Haiti. The website also offers many opportunities to get involved, volunteer or help out financially by making a donation to an intended cause.

References

Save the Children Federation, Inc. (2014). Save the Children-Haiti. Retrieved from:

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6151435/k.B1C9/Haiti.htm#hivprev

Shah, A. (2013).  Poverty Facts and Stats. Global Issues- Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All. Retrieved from: www.globalissues.org

Sharing Web Resources

I subscribed to three newsletters as part of last week’s blog task but out of the three the one that I am most interested in looking into further is the UNICEF organization. There are many focuses in this month’s newsletter and the main stories include: Community Health Workers (life- saving services for children and families around the world), UNICEF's flagship report (children living with a disability in 2013), Help health workers reach mums in the crucial first 28 days, Kilimanjaro Climb for kids in 2014 and Child Rights Animation Released. I chose UNICEF and took a closer look at Australia as I explained in last week’s blog. I like that UNICEF is an international website and that information from other countries in readily available and easy to access through their website. A specific issue that is addressed that stands out to me because it offers a different perspective from that of us here in North America is the salute to Community Health Care Workers. The newsletter explains that in the most remote parts of the world, community health workers are often the only support a new mother has in the lead-up to the birth of her baby, and in the challenging weeks after the birth. It is often these health workers that aid a mother in learning to breastfeed and in monitoring a baby's health. The article explains that volunteer nurses, community outreach workers, and mobile health workers are often unsung heroes who volunteer their time to teach breastfeeding practices, provide immunizations, make home visits to remote area and teach best nutrition practices to new mothers and their children (UNICEF, 2014).

 

Here is a link to this week’s newsletter and this story in particular:

http://www.unicef.org.au/Discover/Photo-Essays/Celebrating-community-health-workers.aspx?utm_source=web-auto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=top-phess1&utm_campaign=social

UNICEF explains that “their vision is a world where the basic rights of every child will be met. UNICEF works to support child health and nutrition, clean water and sanitation, quality education for all boys and girls and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and HIV” (UNICEF, 2014).

In this month’s newsletter there is a link for a very informative media presentation called “Rights with Ruby and Jack”. I think that this is a great tool for children and early childhood workers alike to spread awareness and understanding about the rights of every child and the responsibilities we have so that all children around the world can live happy and healthy lives.

http://www.unicef.org.au/discover/Educational-Resources.aspx?utm_source=web-auto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=hd-anim&utm_campaign=social

Finally, this week’s newsletter had an article called “Mass polio vaccinations begin amid instability of Syrian conflict”. I didn’t even realize that polio had again become an issue not only in Syria but in countries all over the Middle East. The article explains that have begun a multi-country vaccination campaign in seven countries across the Middle East in the hope of reaching more than 22 million children multiple times over six months (UNICEF, 2014).  

References:

UNICEF Australia, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org.au/

Establishing Professional Contacts

Part 1: Establishing Professional Contacts

In preparation for this task I sent emails the contacts listed in the blog resources section. The first organization that I contacted via email is UNICEF Australia. I lived and worked in Australia for a year and have seen ways in which this organization has a positive effect on early childhood learners. While living in Brisbane, I saw an issue common to one we have in Canada. Often the First Nations Peoples of the country, end up thrown into classrooms without the language, culture or the means to afford the requirements they need for their children. In Canada, our first nation’s peoples are often moved from Northern Reservations into larger city centers and are expected to “fit in” or “assimilate” into a world they do not know or understand. This is very much the same for Australian Aboriginals sent from small Northern communities. The website states: “UNICEF research shows that 10.9 per cent of children in Australia live in relative poverty. The most at-risk groups are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children in out-of-home care and children of asylum seekers” (www.UNICEF.org). UNICEF advocates for these and ALL children and provides funding for children in need. I heard back from this organization and they also made me aware of their blog and told to me to sign up for their newsletter, which I did. There is a section for “can’t find what you are looking for?” questions, which I think will really help with this endeavor. The organization will direct you to an article to help answer questions or will email you back with a response.

The second organization I reached out to is the NAYEC- Global Alliance for the Education of Young Children. I emailed the NAYEC to explain the blog task requirements and also signed up for the Newsletter. To be honest, coming from Canada before my courses at Walden I was not at all familiar with the NAYEC we have the Canadian Association for Young Children instead. I took time to explore several articles and the blog but still have not heard back from them. I think that I will be able to continue with this task and will not need to do the alternate task. I started making contact on Thursday so it has only been three days, I believe that I will hear back before the next blog task.

Part 2: Expanding Resources

For Part 2, I am very interested in looking at two websites. I signed up for the newsletter for “The Global Fund for Children” and read some of the recent blog posts and watched some of the recent videos. I live in my own little bubble and cannot imagine the torment that some of the children in the world face. How ignorant and sheltered I am to the real perils that still exist for children all over the globe. I watched the Valentine’s Video on the website and it brought me to tears. It showcases children who were once child soldiers and are now students, girls who were once not allowed an education enrolled in school. The video showed children who overcame slavery as well as children who have overcome natural disasters and are now safe. The other night my boyfriend and I watched the movie, “12 years a slave”, I cried and thought about how awful those times were- its unimaginable that children are still facing these living conditions every day! The second website I want to look into further is “Because I am a Girl”.  Here are some statistics highlighted on the website:

70% of the one billion people living in extreme poverty are women and girls.

Girls are 3x more likely to be malnourished than boys.

Globally, 65 million* girls do not attend primary or secondary school.

There is an urgent need to stand up for the rights of millions of girls. In the poorest regions of the world, girls face double discrimination and unique barriers to survival and development, simply because they are young and female.

But when girls attain their basic human rights, they will:

Be 6x less likely to be married as children

Have 2.2 fewer yet healthier children

Increase their contributions to household income by 18%

I truly believe that this website is catering to a much needed cause, one that I want to be a part of. 

References:

NAYEC. Global Alliance for the Education of Young Children. Retrieved from: http://www.naeyc.org/resources/partnership/globalalliance

Plan International Canada Inc. 2014.  “The Plan, Because I am a Girl”. Retrieved from: www.becauseiamagirl.ca

The Global Fund for Children. Retrieved from: http://www.globalfundforchildren.org . (Newsletter: http://www.globalfundforchildren.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&Itemid=340)

UNICEF Australia. http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/australia.html. Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html

My Supports

First and foremost my boyfriend has always supported my educational endeavors. Deciding to go back to school and take my master’s degree while working full-time was both a huge financial decision and one that has also limited my time at home. After work, I usually have a laptop on my knees either tending to my responsibilities and planning as a classroom kindergarten teacher or completing weekly tasks for my courses at Walden. I love what I do and my boyfriend truly understands and support this passion. I couldn’t be with someone who didn’t not only understand this about me but also love and appreciate my passion as part of my character and who I am.

My parents have always cheered me on with regards to my academic career. I have always marched to the beat of my own drum and they have supported this as well. I am very stubborn and driven, together these two traits combined usually end with me getting an idea in my head and pursuing it in its entirety. After my undergraduate degree, I decided to continue my education by obtaining my educational diploma. When I told my parents I was going to move to Australia with a friend to travel and study, my parents weren’t too excited about the idea. They trust my decisions and support me in all of my choices. I am so grateful to have such great parents.

As supportive as my family and boyfriend are, I am very lucky to have close friends in the field who truly understand my role and responsibilities as an educator. We can share concerns, discuss strategies and just be there for one another to talk, laugh and let’s face it some days cry. I honestly do not know what I would do without these people as my support system. I would truly be lost.

This task was very difficult and to be honest quite emotional. I thought about what it would be like to lose my sense of sight because someone close to me is currently experiencing this. First, I would need tons of emotional support from my family and friends because this would be devastating. Also, I believe I would need an outside source to talk to as well to grieve my loss and to help support me in ways that my family and friends couldn’t. I know that there are social workers and psychologists who are dedicated to helping people deal with sickness and injury and the repercussions it has on one’s life. I would need support to learn how to complete everyday tasks that I once completed independently with ease. I would need support in learning how to live my life again essentially because I use my eyes for everything. I know that my family and friends would be there for me no matter and would stand by and support me no matter how difficult it would be. It would be so hard to lose the independence I have now, I am used to driving myself everywhere I need to go, cooking, cleaning, dressing myself, reading, using my computer… and these things would all now require some form of support (people-to drive me, technology and assistance). Even things that once brought me joy would need to be rethought- for example watching my favorite TV programs, now I would need to listen with video description. My entire life as I know it would change, I couldn’t cope without the people I love and I couldn’t function without various forms of external support.

My Connections to Play

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

How great is this quote? I truly believe this to be true. If you allow a child to find answers for him or herself rather than just spoon feed the answers the learning is so much greater. Furthermore, if it is the child who asks the questions and you empower him or her with resources to find the answers and draw their own conclusions the learning is even better! When I was a child I was so blessed to have two great parents who allowed me to explore and learn with their aid. I remember conducting experiments in our kitchen, making messes while mixing ingredients but always excited about the outcome. They not only allowed me to do this but they indulged in it and prompted me to explore certain things to see what happened. Play is learning, and it really is the deepest and richest form of growth.

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” 

– O. Fred Donaldson

I feel that this quote is deeply connected to the quote I referenced above. Play is both social and academic. Children learn to solve conflicts during play and are therefore learning a great skill that will be essential for their entire lifetime. Children will make mistakes and will learn from them and will often find out what didn’t work to fix it for the next time. When making a tower a child may learn that, “oops it was really tipsy because the bigger blocks are on the top” next time when making a tower they will remember to use the bigger blocks as the base. Children often ask questions while playing and want to figure things out to make their play even grander. If they are engaged and calling the shots they are so driven to learn and grow because it is their interests.

I grew up on the lake in the country. My parents ensured (sometimes forced) us to go outside at least once a day. We loved it and lived out there. 

I of course had a well-stocked collection of trolls and Barbies. 

I was always doing art and craft projects. Some of my favorites were the shrinkable sun catchers, beading, making bracelets or jewellery or making cards and crafts using paper, sparkles etc. 

My brother and I got a Creepy Crawlers bug maker oven for Christmas one year and it is still something we talk about. We would make goop bugs with my dad for hours. 

As I mentioned above I was very lucky that I had two parents who played with me often. They also let me take charge in the play, using my imagination, making up scenarios or choosing my interests to learn about, construct or create. My mother is very artistic so she indulged this part of who I am today while my father is a big kid himself he would often role play or construct things with or for me. One time he made an entire table top play area for my doll homes (Precious Moments) it took him forever and I quickly changed my mind about things. I will never forget how great it was and how much effort he put in just for me!

I think play is very different today because of the amount of screen time children are exposed to. While outside on recess duty, I often notice that some of my kindergarteners haven’t learned to occupy themselves and play outside because no one has shown them how. It is evident that a lot of children do not spend enough time outside. Gadgets, and electronics are great but their use needs to be limited. Children are missing out on social interaction with their peers and are also at risk for health concerns because they are not getting enough daily exercise. They are not learning how to cooperate or play with other children which is a skill that they need even as adults. I hope that parents realize how essential play is not only for their physical health but their social interaction as well.

While playing I learned how to use my imagination, how to bring something from beginning to end (playing out a scenario, creating a plan etc.) and how to co-operate and work with others. I also learned how to take my turn but also affirm my feelings and emotions. As a child I was often taken advantage of because I didn’t speak up for myself, I learned quickly ways to state my needs and wants in a way that was positive to the group. Children can discover who they are and who they want to be during play. These lessons take children well into adulthood.