Saturday, June 4, 2011

Research Around the World

The research topics that I found on Early Childhood Virtual University SSA web page were committed to the educational efforts of numerous countries and communities by devotion to children's development and family/ community Awareness relevant in those particular Rural and urban areas. For example , one particular study ;The Development of an Integrated Early Childhood Development Urban Model Training Program for Informal Minders and Community Volunteers in Ghana. This program is Holistic development of the child through training those working in childcare centers such as child minders and community volunteers in urban/slum communities on appropriate curricula methods and materials to be used (health, nutrition,and, psycho-social development).
Health Issues
Immunization
Common childhood illnesses – identification, causes, prevention and treatment (traditional and orthodox) Safe water and sanitation
Personal cleanliness (care of the body) and clothing
Environmental cleanliness
First aid treatment
Child growth and development (basic needs)
Self-help skills and health habits (for children and the IMs and CVs)
Oral health 
 Nutritional Issues
Education about nutrition and key food groups required for optimum child development
Developmentally adequate diet and feeding the preschooler (what to eat, when, how)
Link between physical ailments and micro-nutrients
Preparation of food for the preschooler
Psychosocial Development
Interaction with children – child stimulation activities
Play and its importance in the life of the child
Identification of play activities (traditional and foreign)
Materials children play with (traditional and foreign)
Preparation of play materials
Attitudes/practices towards encouraging children to interact with each other and with adults
Gender issues – equal treatment for boys and girls

In Nigeria, a study,"Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development" is highlighted of fathers and their involvement in child upbringing. It also examines the extent to which culture, beliefs and other influences affect fathers’ involvement in childcare. The study examines fathers’ role in early childhood care and development in Shanna Community, a Tiv tribe in Benue State, Nigeria. An area of question was whether the role accorded to men is actually being carried out fully by the men. Recommendations involved development of a project to focus on fathers’ involvement initiatives in a community; formalized education training in the area of parent involvement; building a stronger connection when developing an initiative that can be clearly implemented to the community; and, that such activities must move slowly, beginning by building a male-friendly environment that facilitates the culture of male involvement in the program.
Overall I feel this website is a useful tool of knowledge for many people of Sub-Saharan Africa. It's involves learnig experiences of people directly connected to these various communities and groups of people and applies this information in a non-traditional learning manner. This online program provides many the opportunity for educational awareness that can be applied to the good of developing in those communities. Also there are courses available by qualified professional which blends the teaching approaches. I especially enjoyed reading the particular stories of those who have completed the course work of this online program and are serving their communities through educational leadership.



Retrved from Early Childhood Development Virtual University, ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).  School Of Child and Youth Care University Of Victoria  http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php 

4 comments:

  1. Leone,
    It has become apparent in recent years that the father’s role in the family is changing. More men are becoming increasingly involved in raising their children and it is a truism that good fathering has a very positive impact on outcomes for children.

    The NAEYC is advocating for fathers by asking us to engage them with the same importance as mothers.
    Thanks for posting!

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  2. I enjoyed reading your post, especially the part involving fathers in early childhood development. Children whose fathers are involved in their lives from an early age have more confidence and are more settled and perform better in schools. There are some many children without fathers when they are so crucial to their growth and development. We have to find a way to get more fathers involved in early childhood because they’re so beneficial to the children to have them present

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  3. I found that it was interesting that they were doing a study about the importance of fathers in the lives of young children and how they are affected by this in their education. This is something that can be studied in the USA as well. This organization is doing some great work thank you for such a detailed post.

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  4. Leone,
    It is so important to understand the culture of a people. In sub-Saharan Africa these people cultural tradition is deeply embedded in all aspects of their lives and it was prominently displayed in the classroom. It gives children a sense of identity and it also increases their level of self confidence. The application of the learning resources in a non-traditional manner is certainly a step in the right direction if we have to keep abreast of the global changes. Like you, I too was impressed by the enthusiasm displayed by persons who would have completed the courses online and are now serving their communities. I think their eagerness far surpasses what I would have displayed.

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