Research Around the World

            For this week’s blog assignment I have chosen the website Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php to explore and report on.  The programs offered consist of a Master’s degree (three-years), a Professional Specialization Certificate program (one-year), and a Graduate Diploma program (one-year).  Candidates are nominated by committee and must be seen as potential leaders in the field and with the ability to promote early childhood on their countries behalf at the local, regional and international level.  The courses are based out of University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  The knowledge and skills gained from the classes all can lead to positive growth and impact upon early childhood practices, policies, and research for Africa.

            There are several areas of relevant research that I had access to on the www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php site which has links to several final major projects and theses of ECDVU students.  They cover a very wide range of subject matter to include training models; quality of existing programs; inclusion and importance of indigenous knowledge; programs and initiatives to enhance parent, grandparent, and caregiver skills; teacher and leadership training; and curriculum development.  They share many of the same types of concerns with the United States, but with variations of levels and also concerns which are also specific to their own country, cultures and customs.

            Agorsah (2004) describes a training model that was developed to help educate the people who are in positions to care for children in both formal and informal childcare settings.  The approach looks at the child from a holistic view and addresses the assessment of current knowledge and the delivery of an education model that will enhance current practices and knowledge in all areas of child development to include nutrition, health, education, protection and psychosocial issues and concerns.  The intent is to take this model and spread it throughout Ghana, if successful.

            Habtom (2004) addresses two major concerns within this paper which are parent enrichment and training the trainers that will work with the parents.  The holistic approach to development of children is used in this instance also.  The government of Eritrea is very involved and interested in the outcome of this project; viewing children as key contributors to the future success of their nation.  The need to shift priority to children’s needs is becoming a realization and ways to ensure this are being investigated.  A very detailed guide is given as to how to address each step of the training process in order to ensure coverage and inclusion of the major aspects seen as necessary to ensure successful implementation of these programs.

            In all corners of the world children are suffering at different levels, many types of physical, emotional and educational deprivation.  There seems to be a changing view that this is no longer acceptable or something to be ignored.  Many initiatives are being researched, but as yet there is not enough widespread support and actual implementation across the world to feel that we are out of danger as yet.  I feel that there is hope for the future only if we make sure that the research is taken and used to promote and ensure the best chance for a future for children, regardless of initial cost.  Action must replace discussion for us to be successful in giving children the opportunity that is rightfully theirs to learn, grow, and develop to their true potential.

                                                            References

Agorsah, F. W. (2004). The development of an integrated early childhood development urban model training program for informal minders and community volunteers in Ghana. Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Agorsah%20-%20MP%20Final%20-%20Uvic%20LP.pdf

Habtom, A. (2004). Improving the quality of childcare through parenting enrichment and training of trainers: The Eritrean model. Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Habtom%20-%20MP%20Final%20-%20UVic%20LP.pdf