Science of
health and development has now been closely linked to early childhood. This
knowledge and understanding has informed researches into the long-term effect
of experiences gained in early years on adult life and economic growth of the
nations. Around the globe is a new wave of understanding of the importance of
equity and excellence in early care which confirmed that when children's
biological systems develop in an environment of positive early experiences,
they have a greater chance to thrive and grow up to be healthy adults irrespective
of family background and socio-economic status. Making opportunities available
to every child irrespective of race, color, social economic status is now
critical.
Center on the Developing Child of Harvard
University is championing the cause of research and findings which led to the
establishment of the Global Children’s Initiative. At a time when inequalities in school achievement,
workforce skills, and lifelong health status compromise a nation’s
competitiveness in a global economy, the need for new ideas to break the inter generational cycle of poverty around the world is critical. The substantial gap between what we
know about the roots of growing disparities in health, learning, and behavior
and what we are doing to promote the well-being of vulnerable children
internationally provides a compelling agenda for strengthening policies and
investments that focus on the earliest years of life. Global Children’s Initiative
is the primary
practical manifestation of the Center’s global child development agenda. The
initiative draws not only on the expertise of individuals whose specialties
span the biological and social sciences but also on the wisdom and experience
of those who are addressing the needs of vulnerable children “on the ground.”
From the website, I
have learnt many different dimensions of child health which includes the
science of learning, science of behavior and the science of health. To this
end, there will be:-
1. 1. Education of key leadership of
International agencies, publish papers and bring findings to the knowledge of
stakeholders for implementation.
2. 2. It is important to generate and apply
new knowledge that involves the health and developmental needs of young
children in all variety of settings.
3. 3. Addresses gaps in the achievement of young children,
I have
learnt that child survival and child development are different issues in
different environments and nations of the world, and to give quality childhood
education, leading to responsible adult hood, every policy maker must get
involved in making access to quality and effective early childhood program a
priority in the interest of the nation.
Reference
Global Children’s Initiative site. http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/)
You reiterate such a good point that equity in education must go beyond the classroom and continue to focus on the whole child within his/her environment. It is easy to see how Head Start is so successful since they invest heavily in children's families and not just the individual child.
ReplyDeleteIt would certainly be a wonderful day on Earth when every child has the opportunity to grow and develop to his/her potential and not just try to "survive".
Hi Mercy,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to me how many of those who create policies that will affect children seem not to really understand child development and what children need to survive in this world. In reading your post I agree with the fact that being able to be competitive in the global economy all children need to have the access to school, work force skills and kept healthy for the future. I think we have tried to move this direction, but the first thing that gets cut when state budgets are not met are the services for children and families.