International opportunities and consequences

Over the course of the past eight weeks, we have researched about ongoing trends and issues relating to early childhood education.  With this, we were asked to contact international organizations to gain better insight on early childhood in other countries.  I contacted over ten different people, and did not get one response back.  So for the remainder of the course I researched and gathered information from large international early childhood organizations. I subscribed to webcasts and podcasts from some organizations, and read through others.

I believe that some of the main things that I have learned throughout this course was that there are many organizations that benefit young children.  I have learned that these organizations focus on equity for all children.  How it begins may be different, but ultimately children must be given an opportunity to attend a safe and effective learning environment.  Additionally, I have learned that in order for children to have the opportunity to learn they must have their basic needs met.  Children can't learn without having a safe place to sleep, and food in their stomachs.  Lastly, I learned that we as early childhood professionals must continue to learn and advocate for young children throughout the world.  Being a mother, this effects me personally, while being an early childhood professional, this effects me professionally.

Good luck to you all!

UNESCO

UNESCO has many initiatives throughout the world that support early childhood programs around the globe.  Even though there are many different initiatives that benefit young children this week I have discovered more information about UNESCO. 
Three of the best initiatives for early care and education through UNESCO are:

1. The Global Education week in April 2012.  The week consisted of advocacy efforts for the early childhood initiatives. 

2. Educational Institutes and Conferences.  These conferences are held throughout the world in different geographical areas. 

3. Statistics completed by UNESCO has shown improvement throughout the world in global early childhood iniatives.

I believe that organizations such as UNESCO benefit the world's children in a positive way.  My concern is that young children are still not being given every opportunity to succeed in our country.  What can we do as Americans to help balance the needs of our children?

Resources:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/leading-the-international-agenda/education-for-all/advocacy/global-action-week/gaw-2012/facts-and-figures/

Amazing UNICEF

UNICEF has not ceased to amaze me.  Over the course of the past few weeks, I have continued to research more information on this vital organization.  Each week, I have looked at a different area that UNICEF works.  This week, I have looked into the areas that deal directly with equity in early learning for children around the world.  So many times, Americans take for granted the easy access to education.  Our children are given opportunities that many other children could only dream.

UNICEF states that "Every child must be ensured the best start in life – their future, and indeed the future of their communities, nations and the whole world depends on it" (UNICEF, 2012, para 3).  While we know that early childhood education is important for all young children, many children don't live much past their fifth birthday in some countries (UNICEF, 2012). 

One paper that was recently released by UNICEF was called "Right in Principle and in Practice: A review of the social and economic returns to investing in children" (UNICEF, 2012).  While I had trouble accessing the whole document, the abstract states that a group of advocates state that investing in early childhood programming benefits all children.

I appreciate that UNICEF continues to stand for children around the world.  They utilize current statistical data when reviewing information.  This is pertinent when it comes to the welfare of young children.  While I believe that UNICEF is a phenomenal organization, I only wish that there wasn't a need for it.  It saddens me to know that there are thousands and millions of children that may not be able to see their futures because of health or economic status.

References:

UNICEF. (2012). Working Paper:Right in Principle and Practice: A review of the social and economic returns to investing in children.  Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/files/Investing_in_Children.pdf

UNICEF. (2012). Early Childhood: Introduction.  Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/earlychildhood/index_3870.html