TIME WELL SPENT 

Omg!!! As I sit this evening to write my final Blog post, I can’t believe that this is it! These last 21 months has gone by very fast and I am overly joyed that I have completed this journey. It was not so long ago that I can remember writing my first blog post and wondering if I would get it right.  I can say that as each week passed, my assignments and discussions began to challenge the way I think. My blog posts got easier and easier, leading up to this day, which I believe was time well spent…J

Over the course of time, I had the opportunity to learn much about my colleagues as they shared their lives, their views and their experiences. I was open to learn more about the world of early childhood and how I can impact the world.  

As I ponder on the things that I believe are deeply felt learnings, I must say that I was deeply impacted by the importance of my responsibility to always advocate for children and families. There are many children and families who are in need and it is important for me to fight on their behalf.

The second deeply felt learnings is the importance of accepting people for who they are. We live in a world and culture that is ever so changing and we must learn to accept others that are different.   

The third deeply felt learning was to learn more about my role as a leader within the field. This has helped to better equip me both personally and professionally. The skills and knowledge obtained only helped to strengthen my current skills, challenging me to raise the bar to that of another level.  

A long term goal that I have set in place is to continue to be a life-long learner in the field of early childhood and education. This means that I will continue to take professional courses, attend seminars and trainings to stay abreast in the field. As issues and trends continue to develop, there will always be the need to grow both professionally and personally. This is my commitment to be true to myself and to also provoke change.   

I wanted to take the time to personally say “Thank You” to all my colleagues. You have made this such a rewarding and memorable learning experience for me. From the first course, until now, it has been a pleasure getting to know and especially collaborating with you. I would like to also say “Thank You” to all my professors within the masters programs who challenged our thinking, and made us see from a critical unbiased eye. I’ve learned to see early childhood from that of a different perspective.  As we move forward and embark on a new journey, may we always remember that we are a “strong voice” waiting to be heard!  

Best Wishes!

Barbara  

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

In search of several international organizations that work for positive social change for children and families, I have taken an interest in several. My first interest is the organization called Save the Children. I can recall growing up watching the commercials on television as they showed the many faces of children that were impoverished and starving. As I navigated through their website, I found out about how the organization came into play. Eglantyne Jebb was the founder that took on the responsibility for protesting for the lives of two children that had become emancipated after World War 1. Her voice and concern for children grew into the organization we know today. Their organization has helped millions of children that are in and out of the U.S. In review of jobs within the organization, I would like to experience making an impact in the Health and Nutrition capacity. Since there are many children that are sick, starving and impoverished, I see myself making a difference in social change that requires going on missions that would include taking food to feed children and families too fight world hunger. In order to become effective at doing this job, I believe my qualifications in effective communication, compassion and a heart for people, children and families would be required. I also would like to sponsor several children (Save the Children, 2011).

The second organization that is of interest is UNICEF. This is an organization that I am familiar with and have researched previously.  UNICEF has helped many children and families in many different countries around the world.  Their passion to fight for causes that have made an impact in the areas of education, world hunger, vaccinations, poverty and many other causes has been effective. In review of job opportunities within their organization, I would like to seek out their position offered as an Education Specialist in the country of Somalia. UNICEF’s mission is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and males candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities. The skills that are needed for this position would be the ability to analyze and interpret information such as policies and advocacy, able to set specific goals, the ability to prepare specific documentation for program review and approval, the ability to manage a program, review and assess documentation. The ability to effectively communicate and execute plans is essential for this position (UNICEF, (n.d).

The third organization that I reviewed was Children International. This is an international organization that fights to prevent global poverty. They focus on education, health, empowerment, and employment. Their mission simply stated is, “all working together to help kids break the cycle of poverty” (Children International, 2016). In review of their website, there were no jobs posted. However, what was offered was the opportunity to become a sponsor or donate dollars to help support the mission. The organization also offers opportunity to share their vision with others. In consideration of the skills needed to become a donor or sponsor, the need to have a heart of compassion and provide financial support is necessary (Children International, 2016). 

I was drawn to their web site because they fight for social injustices for children, families, countries and nations. Their support and cause has saved many children's lives.   

 

References:

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from, http://www.savethechildre.org

            hIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

Children International. (2016). Retrieved from, https://www.children.org/see-the-impact

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from

            http://www.unicef.org/