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The name of the organization I selected is the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) which is a 501 c 3 charitable organization dedicated to promoting the optimal education and development of children in a changing world through various programs and projects that align with ACEI's mission. ACEI's tagline is "Bright futures for every child, every nation," which highlights ACEI's commitment to support and advocate for access to education, equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and the child's right to education (ACEI, 2015). 

While navigating through the site, I came across an article titled, "Prohibiting Corporal Punishment" which seemed to have caught my attention as I have always been intolerant of abuse against children. The article spoke of the use of any physical or mental harm to children that is used as a form of punishment and how it is still practiced worldwide in many countries of diverse economic and political status. I was saddened by the fact that there are about 73 countries in existent that still practice corporal punishment today. The use of corporal punishment is an act of cruelty and it is my belief that children are to be protected and not be mentally or physically abused in any capacity.

 

Although this type of punishment still exist today, there are many educational systems that prohibit the practice of corporal punishment of children. It is said that there are approximately 125 countries that prohibit this act. The report urges these nations to take action and undergo legal reforms and other measures to end the widespread violent punishment of children in learning settings (ACEI, 2015).

One way my organization prohibits the use of any corporal punishment is that  all of our employees, in-home providers, contractors and managerial staff have to sign our Employee Standards of Conduct Policy, in which, corporal punishment is highlighted and is not tolerated at all. All of our parents that use our programs are given the parent handbook and made aware of our policy.

 

Much can be said about abuse and corporal punishment of children. Whether children are being abused at home or in schools, the act of corporal punishment is wrong and inhuman and should never be used as a scare tactic or form of discipline in any capacity.  I understand that there are many cultures that STILL practice this but this is where advocates and policy makers both nationally and internationally must take action and continue to fight for the rights of children. Policymakers and advocates have an obligation to fight even harder on the behalf of children. 

 

I love the philosophy of the ACEI which states, "a school should be a safe and friendly environment for all children, not a place where they are physically or mentally harmed by educators or caregivers. Research has shown that the emotional and physical effects of corporal punishment hinder children’s ability to learn, and negatively affects children’s physical, social, emotional, and educational development. Thus, when corporal punishment occurs in schools, it interferes with a child’s right to education" (ACEI, 2015). 
 

The Association for Childhood Education International is committed to supporting children’s basic rights and ensuring their safety, health, and dignity, and is therefore a supporter of the Global Initiative to End Corporal Punishment. 

 

Reference:

http://www.acei.org