The web-site that I chose to view is the Early Childhood Development Virtual
University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
During
my search I located and viewed two research articles. The first one, Developing an international network to support early
childhood development (ECD): Results from experience in Africa describes an early
childhood development (ECD) network for Africa and its multipronged approach of
regional partnerships, south learning exchanges through international conferences
and seminars, and an ECD virtual university that uses 21st-century technologies
and distributed learning methods to provide systematic training and build
capacity among cohorts of ECD leaders in the Majority World.
Surprisingly information quoted
from Grantham-McGregor and colleagues (2007) estimate that more than 219
million children under age 5 will not reach their developmental potential due to
illness, malnutrition, and a lack of nurturing care, early stimulation, and
education. Quality ECD interventions can reduce the risk for vulnerable children,
yet in 2008, 86% of children in sub-Saharan Africa had no access to an early
childhood program (CGECCD 2010). Through initiative such as The World
Bank’s Africa Early Child Care and Development with their efforts to improve the capacity of
African countries to attain the education MDGs by laying a strong foundation of
early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and
disadvantaged children.
The second research document
that I reviewed, Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development by Rosemary
Hua The study examines fathers’ role in early childhood care and development in
Shanna Community, a Tiv tribe in Benue State, Nigeria. The study highlights the
role of fathers and their involvement in child upbringing. From this research
study it was concluded that it is also
apparent in other places: that men’s failure to relate with their children is
not something that is inherent in males but in the culture and norms of that
society. Overall the research findings suggest the need for a range of
interventions to target father-child relationships to increase male involvement
in children’s lives.
From this article it provided
insight for me on how children in other countries are brought up. From the
survey used to conduct data for this research paper it was determined that the
parents in the Shanna community teach their children according to their
children’s sex. Women in Shanna are considered as subordinates early in girlhood
with the division of household labor by gender. Girls assume domestic
responsibilities as early as the age of six. I found this paper informative and
interesting. From the research paper I reflected on the relationships that must
be established with children and families from other cultures. What I perceive as
norm is not necessarily norm to others. I thought on the fact that in
situations as this it is important to remain objective and not attempt to persuade
an interviewee based on your views.
The research document,
Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development provided me with a great
example of peer written research paper.
Garcia, M. & Pence, A. (2010). Developing an international network to support early
childhood development (ECD): Results from experience in Africa. Journal
of International Cooperation in Education, Vol.13 No.2 pp. 119-137
Hua R. (1986). Involving Fathers in Early Childhood
Care and Development., University of Jos, Nigeria,
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php
It was very interesting to read about the documents you read on this website. I can see that current research projects involve getting quality care to more children (86% without early care access is a staggering amount!) and that researchers are looking into examining father-child relationships and the cultural norms that are involved in creating gender behavior expectations. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI read the article about getting the Fathers Involving in Early Childhood Care and Developmentthe also, and this is a good thing for the fathers. Normally their aren't any fathers to get involve withhe child development.
ReplyDeleteDuring my research with UNICEF they estimate that million of children under age 5 will not reach their developmental potential due to illness, malnutrition, early stimulation, and education. With all the help some of these country gets, they just can't get to some of the people in time.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have explored issues in early childhood in Africa and it is very sad that children in Africa and other countries struggle to meet their basic needs. During my study of Sub Saharan Africa I learned that they have the highest infant mortality rate in Africa. Thank you for sharing the information about the article involving fathers in early childhood.