International Issues and Research Topics
I looked at the website of Early Childhood Development Virtual University, Sub-Saharan Africa at http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php.
I looked at a link on the site to country reports. I looked at Eritrea, Nigeria and Kenya specifically. I was surprised to learn that even now these countries are plagued with health problems. The lack of vaccinations, malnutrition, widespread disease, large numbers of orphans and cultural misunderstandings all prevent children from gaining access to Early childhood programs. The life expectancy for each of these countries is in the early 50's. There is also a wide difference in access to preschool between urban and rural settings. Preschools are mostly non-existent in rural areas.
Next I looked at their link to major reports. I read an article from Eritrea about a study about improving quality early care through parent enrichment programs run by skilled trainers. This study aimed to compensate for lack of availability of child care centers and preschools by utilizing parents as the children's first teachers.
An article I read about Nigeria studied fathers and their children. It studied the traditional role of fathers and aimed to update fathers' thinking about the role they can play in their children's education.
A study from Kenya looked at different types of early childhood development models. It assessed the effect different models had on children's school readiness.
I find these studies encouraging. Even in the midst of so much poverty and so many health issues in African countries, the educational system is being addressed and improved. It is widely agreed that educating children is the long-term key to ending the cycle of other problems in society.
Wendy,
ReplyDeleteIt is always s sad and disturbing to learn of all the different health problems and illnesses that places such as Nigeria and Kenya face. It makes me appreciate, that much more, to be living in an area with access to appropriate vaccinations and medications.
Hi Wendy, thank you for sharing your blog. That is so sad that the life expectancy in those countries is 50, way too young. As far as the preschool in rural areas, that is a shame that those children have to suffer because of where they live. I live in a rural right across the street from a school and the school is one of the main ones around. I was surprised to learn we get kids bussed in from some of the bigger cities even, and our area is unincorporated, not to mention the fact we even have our own post office which is also very uncommon in rural areas. Thanks again for sharing that was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy, thank you for sharing your blog. That is so sad that the life expectancy in those countries is 50, way too young. As far as the preschool in rural areas, that is a shame that those children have to suffer because of where they live. I live in a rural right across the street from a school and the school is one of the main ones around. I was surprised to learn we get kids bussed in from some of the bigger cities even, and our area is unincorporated, not to mention the fact we even have our own post office which is also very uncommon in rural areas. Thanks again for sharing that was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteRoxanne
Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI love the study of utilizing parents as the children's first teachers and informing fathers about their role. SInce I have been working in early childcare I have had only one of two fathers in each class who actually engage and have cherish their child's early childhood education. I have had many fathers say, "Well, you can just talk to my wife about that, she it better at this.So I think having this implemented in the United States could benefit the early childhood field.