I chose to view the Global Children's Initiative for my blog this weeks. I was able to look around the website to observe and gain understanding about who and what they are. The three main goals that they focus on are children's mental health, early childhood development, and children in crisis and conflict situations. The center sets up faculty in working groups to achieve their main goals globally. There are a few working projects that are available to view on their website.
One part of their website that gave me some insight into who they are and what they are doing in the early childhood field globally was their Zambian Early Childhood Development Project. This project is " a collaborative effort to measure the effects of an ongoing anti-malaria initiative on children's development in Zambia". The first children assessed were 1,686 children born in 2004 and were assessed in 2010. Another successful follow-up occurred with 1,250 of those children in 2012. Many of the assessments showed that their prevention efforts helped children and their development. I was interested by this because an assessment was used to help policymakers see just how using and anti-malaria campaign can effect a child's development. For me, I would not think an assessment would have to be made and it would be pretty obvious. I guess for policymakers using an assessment can help figure out just how well the campaign helps a child's development.
Another program that caught my eye was found in Brazil. This is the first major programmatic effort outside the United States. In the project, collaborations are used with local experts to use the science of child health and development to influence and guide stronger policies and make larger investments to benefit young children and their families in Brazil. Some ways they are achieving this is to build a scientific agenda and community, translating scientific knowledge for application to social policy, strengthening leadership in the early childhood field, and translating and and adapting the Center's print and multimedia for a Brazilian audience. I feel that advocating to better policies and more knowledge of the early childhood years is a great program to establish. Using the content that already exists and adapting it to fit into the Brazilian culture is a great way to establish a better relationship and connection with the Brazilian policymakers and culture.
Having equity and excellence in their program is a way for the Global Children's Initiative to continue with what they are doing throughout the world. Knowing that all children should have proper access to receive good health and a meaningful education is a factor to help them achieve their goals. Expanding their knowledge and resources to help child development globally shows their passion for the field and advocacy. I would imagine having contact and trying to make a difference for early childhood in a different country is difficult but has lasting effect not only for the field but for the children and families that they are serving.
References
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/
I also researched the Harvard University's Global Children's Initiative run by The Center on the Developing Child. What initially stood out for me was The Center's acknowledgment of moral responsibility to meet the needs of all children in all areas of their development. It is indeed our moral obligation as a human race to care for and protect our most vulnerable asset--Children. Especially if we are to thrive as nation because Children are our future. It doesn't matter the race, socio-economic background, religion, or creed--all children deserve to be treated equally. That is why I am so happy this organization exists that recognizes the needs of children across the globe from the poorest to the richest.
ReplyDeleteHello Heather,
ReplyDeleteI also explored the Global Children Initiative website. The website was very interesting and the organization sponsors and facilitates many wonder programs. I read the Zambian Early Childhood Development project and I found it to be very good. I will agree that the Global Children Initiative seems to be doing great work around the world to help children receive what’s needed to have good health, meaningful education and better their development. I like that the programs they implement help children through-out their educational process and work to help the child’s future. Education should be supported through-out the process and the children they support can benefit greatly from long-term support. I’m looking forward to reading more on their website and your blog, thanks for sharing.
Good blog post heather! I liked the fact that The Children' Global Initiative focused on the mantal health aspect of children. I feel like the fact that they are growing up in poverty can be a major fact/ cause of their mental illness. Children that face problems with mental illness have difficulties in dealing with their issues. Their parents are not always aware of ways in which to assist them with these problems. Having The Children's Global Initiative would be of great benefit for children and their families facing such issues.
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