Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

 

The UNICEF organization is a great organization and it grasps my attention. They focus on specific issues of child survival and development, child protection, HIV/AIDS and children, basic education and gender equality and policy advocacy and partnerships. These areas that they are addressing are very similar to the same exact issues I am dealing with in many areas that I have taught. These issues are all over the world attacking our children and families and UNICEF are partnering with organizations all over the world providing relief on these issues. They have been active since 1946 where they provide food and clothing for children and their families in Europe after World War II. Their mission statement is that, “UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential”(United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), n.d.). I believe that I could learn so much in my interaction and partnership with them; they can provide many resources that can enhance my life and make passion to address my challenge.

On the UNICEF I found a Child Protection Specialist position in Afghanistan. I believe that I would enjoy knowing that I will be the advocate that provide a shield of protection around the children in Afghanistan. They are facing serious attacks of rape and being forced to participate in solders of war at an early age. Maybe I will be able to not only protect them; but, provide them will an alternative of education that will give them an opportunity at a better and successful life.

 

Save the Children Organization is a great organization and it focuses are very similar to the UNICEF. Save the Children is a great source to use to find resources for communities of practices, families, and children. As a child I remember an advertisement of Save the Children Organization that convinced me to want to break my piggy bank to help foster a child. I believed even then that it mattered and would make a difference if I gave 30 cent a week to feed a child. They are still fighting the cause; however, they have expanded to address many issues ranging from hunger to education.

I my search I found an Education Programme Manager position in Hargeisa, Somalia. The position would permit me to supervise, train and ensure that teachers are well qualified to educate the children. I will have the opportunity to convey to teachers the importance of partnerships with families; I will be able to work directly with parents to encourage their involvement in the education of their children. I believe I would really enjoy working in Hargeisa.

 

The Academy for Educational Development seemed to be very resourceful. A quote they used was very powerful. The statement stated that, “We live in a complex world where challenges are intimately linked-and so must be the solutions” (Academy for Educational Development, 2011). Two organizations, Family health International and Academy for Educational Development, joined to ensure that they will be able to meet issues with solution that would reverse the affects in a 360 manner. Their focus is very broad because they are addressing both health and education. This organization would be able to provide many communities with support; especially, how health relates to children’s ability to learn.

In my search for a position I did not find any position that interested me. There were many positions that allowed supervisors to monitor the effects that the FHI 360 is providing and the impact on the regions and communities. I want to be a little closer; more hands on so that I will have more of a personal impact on the change that can occur. I would like to become a member and participate of FHI 360 so that I may be able to learn various methods to enhance my knowledge and in-turn enhance my community of practice.

I have gained so much from this assignment. There are so many international job opportunities available that some many of us are passionate about. We are in a time where funding for education is limited and schools and Head Starts are closing their doors or merging with other organization to stay afloat. If we are truly passionate for change in many issues, we can fight for them any where the issue resided. I will do what I can in the states but I am open to expanding my ability to make change internationally.     

References

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/