Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: International

In thinking about being an advocate for children, I believe that it’s important to also consider children around the world; not only in our country.  There are children everywhere who are missing opportunities to go to school based on their demographic, money, and other issues that are beyond my ability to understand; such as children of war and extreme poverty.  When reviewing the many different organizations that are trying to help families provide their children with educational opportunities, I was able to find a few that appealed to me professionally and personally.

            The first organization I chose was FHI 360.  “FHI 360's education programs improve teaching and learning, increase access to educational opportunities for underserved populations including children and youth with disabilities, create more opportunities for girls and integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning” (FHI 360, 2012).  Around the world, children are struggling to receive the education they deserve; and in many areas are completely unaware of the opportunities they may be able to have.  This organization creates programs to help build and rebuild education systems around the world.  There were two goals that FHI 360 has that really stuck out to me.  FHI 360 helps rebuild education systems post conflict in war torn countries.  They work with educators around the world to help reacclamate the children in these societies to a school system and to provide them with quality educators and materials.  FHI 360 also works hard to be sure that girls across the globe are able to access education.  “FHI 360 promotes the rights of girls and women to education, health, a safe environment, economic participation and leadership. We analyze gender-related issues and advocate for the mobilization of leaders and institutions in support of gender equality” (FHI 360, 2012).  This is something that we fought hard for in the United States, and I feel that it is often forgotten that there are still so many areas in this world where women and girls are oppressed in many ways. 

            One job I found through FHI360 that appealed to me was that of Chief of Party, (Program Director), in Nigeria.  I chose Nigeria because during my undergraduate studies, I once had a professor from Nigeria.  I have since been involved in assisting a friend of mine in selling Nigerian jewelry once a year that is made by young girls to help sponsor them and raise money to send them to school.  I’m passionate about all women across the globe being treated with equality to their male counterpart.  Because of this passion, I believe I would be wonderful to assist in FHI 360’s involvement in Nigeria.  I would need to continue with my studies and pursue my phd  for this position.  I would also need to gain more experience before being able to serve in such an important position.  “The COP should have a record of effective management, strong human-relations, strong writing and communications skills and a working knowledge of Nigeria’s basic education system” (FHI 360, 2012).  I believe that I have strong human-relations, as well as writing and communication skills.  I feel that these skills would aide me indeveloping the other requirements for this position.

            Another organization that spoke to me was UNESCO.  This organization begins their journey through developing positive relationships and open communication among people across the globe.  “UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities” (UNESCO, 2012).  I believe that through developing such communication and connectedness across cultures, achieving success in creating educational opportunities for all children is more attainable.  Their Education for All (EFA) movement was particularly inspiring.  They have created a community of practice across nations and have set six goals to meet by 2015 in order to achieve EFA.  I appreciated that their goals were progressive and began with early childhood education and the importance therein.  The first goal states; “Expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children” (UNESCO, 2012).  I feel that this goal relates directly to my mission of helping those who are disadvantaged in New York City for my Capstone Project and plan to research their mission further. 

            One job that I found particularly interesting would be the Assistant Project Officer for HIV/AIDS Education.  I think that health education is imperative, specifically in areas where healthcare is not provided to its citizens and people are suffering with such horrible diseases.  In addition, sex education, birth control, etc. is not marketed to young people and should be introduced by a knowledgeable source.  Although my degree would qualify me for this position, I would need to acquire some new skills.  I would have to learn the basics of the French language. In addition, I would need to obtain a greater knowledge base about AIDS and sexual education in order to lead such a project.  I feel that this would be a beneficial position for children and their families living with such diseases, and also a preventative measure to help educate others about ways in which they can avoid contact with HIV/AIDS and lead healthy lives. 

            The last organization I chose was Heifer International.  This is an organization I have worked with throughout my undergraduate studies, as well as my teaching career.  Heifer International provides families all over the world who live in extreme poverty with a reliable source of income; farm animals.  There are many different ways to become involved in this organization, but I believe that the most beneficial way for all parties involved is through their Read to Feed program.  This program teaches children in our care to be involved in something bigger than themselves, and gives them an opportunity to develop global awareness and empathy for those who are less fortunate than them.  “The Read to Feed program encourages reading, while heightening students’ awareness that their actions make a difference in the lives of others. As students read more books, they improve their reading abilities and more families receive gifts of livestock and training” (Heifer International, 2012).  In order to raise money to send animals to these families, students in my classroom have collected sponsors and read a great number of books in order to do so.  Along with raising money and improving their reading skills, they are learning about other cultures, other areas of the world, and ways in which they can have a positive impact on a global level.  Through such programs, we are creating lifelong learners, as well as contributing members of our global society. 

            Aside from the benefits of volunteering and working with children who will help raise money to assist families around the world, there are jobs throughout our country available through Heifer International.  One job I found appealing was that of Community Engagement Coordinator in Tennessee.  This position was created to help promote Heifer International’s goals and mission and to involve communities across our country.  I would be reaching out to different organizations, schools, and communities in order to inspire and motivate people to help Heifer International reach their goals.  My Master’s degree would be more than sufficient for this position.  In addition to my education, my communication skills and overall passion for these issues would be an asset to this organization.  I would also be willing to travel and able to communicate with various people across the globe.  I feel that this would be an excellent position for me, as I have been passionate about this organization for a decade and have worked with them previously.

            It is refreshing to see that there are so many people across the world that are interested in bettering the lives of families and their children.  “Early childhood educators have deep faith in the principle that all people deserve the opportunities and resources to fulfill their complete humanity.  Moreover, we have a unique role in making this principle real, in promoting all children’s chances to thrive and to succeed in school, in work, and in life” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p. 1). 

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington D.C. : NAEYC Books.

FHI 360. (2012). fhi360 The Science of Improving Lives. Retrieved from FHI 360: www.fhi360.org

Heifer International. (2012). Heifer International Pass on the Gift. Retrieved from Heifer International: www.heifer.org

UNESCO. (2012). UNESCO Building Peace in the Minds of Men and Women. Retrieved from United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization: www.unesco.org