Sharing Web Resources

The website I have been studying the past few weeks is the Global Fund For Children. You can access the website at: https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/ 

This website makes me a better educator and advocate for children because it give me access to issues that are happening globally. This website also gives me ways in which I can get involved with the organization.

One video & article on the website that made me think was, “Bangladesh’s “Boat Schools” Tackle Education and Climate Change” (The Global Fund For Children). What intrigues me is how there is effort to build schools on boats for the children in Bangladesh that are affected by flooding from the monsoons in Bangladesh, however does not mention how these children and families are living. In the video, it appears that most buildings and homes are flooded and underwater, so my question is if there are any efforts to help those whose homes are unlivable? Where do the children go home to? I mean it is great how the Global Fund For Children are helping children who cannot go to school, since their schools are flooded, however I believe that helping find/ new safe homes is more important.

References

The Global Fund For Children. (2014, May 28). Global Fund for Children Bangladeshs Boat Schools Tackle Education and Climate Change Comments. Retrieved May 31, 2014, from https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/bangladeshs-boat-schools-tackle-education-and-climate-change/

The Global Fund For Children. (n.d.).Global Fund for Children Home Comments. Retrieved May 31, 2014, from https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

I have two contacts I have connected with abroad.

The first of my contacts is Chris Hussey from Early Education—The British Association for Early Childhood Education in London, England. Chris just recently completed his Master’s Degree. Chris is a teacher working for Early Education. According to Chris, his duties at Early Education are a variety of things such as, “editing and proof-reading of our publications and general content, and being the voice of an early years practitioner” (Hussey, Early Childhood Education). My interaction with Chris Hussey is great; he is very thorough in his explanations, and will give me further details about his work and childhood education before I even ask. On the downside, Chris mentioned that he is in and out of the office and may take a while to respond to my e-mails, which could delay some assignments.

My second contact is Nektarios Stellakis from World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP). So far I have not had much contact with Nektarios, although, she has not told me her job title or about her duties, but has responded to my questions about poverty. Nektarios mentioned that poverty is a big issue in Greece, and had risen in 2009. According to Nektarios, “one in three children in Greece live in poverty” (Stellakis, Early Childhood Education). With the OEMP’s limited funding they are not able to help as much as they would like. The OEMP helps poverty-stricken individuals by spreading the word about the issue of poverty.

My exchanges with my partners have taught me how childhood educations in other countries are run. For instance, in London, it is the norm for a child to attend some sort of pre-school education before starting formal school. Luckily, for children in London, there is a major emphasis on play and creativity in the classroom. In regards to poverty, Chris Hussey mentioned that poverty in London is prevalent, and varies by the area.

Reference:

Hussey, Chris. “Re: Early Childhood Education.” Message to Elizabeth Santacruz.. 16 May 2014. E-mail.

Stellakis, Nektarios. “Re: Early Childhood Education.” Message to Elizabeth Santacruz. 12 May 2014. E-mail.

Sharing Web Resources

The Global Fund for Children invests in grassroots organizations around the world to help vulnerable/ at risk children succeed. Children of all walks of life are supported, including those that may be trafficked, worked in mines, or become child soldiers.  “Our goal is to invest early, help our partners increase capacity, and leave them bigger and stronger than when we found them” (The Global Fund For Children). Since 1997, the Global Fund for Children has reached 9 million and continues to improve the lives of children, and let children be children.

One current issue that caught my eye is child soldiers. The sad truth is that to this day many children are forced into becoming child soldiers. The article I read from The Global Fund For Children Blog told the story of Papy, who was forced to become a child soldier after armed rebels attacked his rural village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Papy finally escaped and fled back to his village where leaders of the Bureau pour le Volontariat au Service de l’Enfance et de la Santé  (BVES) helped him as well as other “displaced children and former child soldiers” (The Global Fund For Children). Despite Papy’s experiences, the BVES helped acclimate him back to civilization, and enrolled him into school.  Papy found a foster home, and continued with his education where he pursued a higher education. Today, Papy volunteers at the BVES to share his story and helps other former child soldiers.

For More Information Visit https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/

Otoo, E. (2014, March 20). Hope Amid Despair. The Global Fund for Children. Retrieved May 17, 2014, from https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/hope-amid-despair/

"The Global Fund For Children." Global Fund for Children Home Comments. Web. 17 May 2014. <https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/>.

Getting Ready—E stablishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

Week 1:
This week I have contacted three different organizations: EuropEA World Organization for Early Childhood Education, EECERA European Early Childhood Education Research Association, and Early Education The British Association For Early Childhood Education. I found all of these organizations on google after searching early childhood education internationally, or abroad. So far, I have not heard back from any of them, however I'm hoping that is due to a time difference.

I do know a few people abroad that I had in mind for this assignment, however they are college professionals, and not in the early childhood professional field:(
Regardless, I am hoping that one of the three people organizations I chose will respond to my e-mail and help me with the upcoming assignments.

I am curious to see what everyone else has chosen for their organizations, and what countries they picked.

References:
http://www.early-education.org.uk/
http://www.eecera.org/
http://www.euromep.org/